The government has assured that there is no immediate cause for concern over fuel supply, saying adequate diesel stock is available and priority measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply to the agriculture sector.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division conference room at the Secretariat on Monday (March 30), Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury said authorities have issued clear instructions to prioritize diesel distribution for farmers.
“There is no reason to worry. We have sufficient fuel stock. We have given clear instructions to prioritize the agriculture sector,” he said.
He added that efforts are underway through upazila agriculture officers and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) to ensure farmers receive diesel on a priority basis, particularly during critical agricultural activities.
To maintain a stable supply chain, the government is pursuing fuel imports from multiple international sources.
Monir Hossain Chowdhury said the process is underway to import 600,000 tons of diesel from Russia over a two-month period. He noted that approval had been sought from the United States due to sanctions-related procedures involving certain countries.
“Since some countries are under US sanctions, we had to go through the approval process,” he said.
He also said that 22,000 tons of diesel have already been received from India under an existing bilateral agreement.
In addition, efforts are underway to import fuel from Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, and the United States to diversify supply sources and reduce dependence on a single market.
The joint secretary also said discussions had been held with Iran regarding the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a shipping route for fuel imports.
“Our vessels can pass through the Hormuz Strait without difficulty. However, not all vessels carrying fuel to Bangladesh fly the national flag, which could create complications,” he said.
Officials said the government is closely monitoring global developments to ensure safe and uninterrupted transportation of fuel shipments.
According to official figures shared during the briefing, Bangladesh currently has around 133,000 tons of diesel in stock.
Additional shipments are expected soon to strengthen reserves. Authorities said 54,600 tons of diesel are scheduled to arrive on March 30 and April 3, while another 154,000 tons from Malaysia and other countries are expected within April.
“These incoming shipments will further strengthen our supply chain and help maintain market stability,” he said.
Alongside supply measures, the government has urged individuals and institutions to adopt fuel-saving practices to manage consumption amid ongoing global uncertainty in energy markets.
Officials said maintaining efficiency in fuel use and ensuring smooth distribution remain top priorities to prevent disruption in essential sectors, particularly agriculture.
Reiterating the government’s position, Monir Hossain Chowdhury said: “There is no reason to be concerned. With the current stock and scheduled imports, the country’s fuel supply situation remains under control.”
