Bangladesh has fuel reserves for 11 days

Bangladesh presently has fuel oil reserves for 10 to 11 days. A review of the oil stock at the end of March showed that there is enough diesel for 10-11 days, octane for 6-7 days, and petrol for 8-9 days.

However, according to the Energy Department, 350,000 metric tonnes of refined and crude oil are coming into the country this month.

Of this, approval has been given to import 100,000 tonnes of diesel from Kazakhstan. In addition, 60,000 tonned of diesel will come from Indonesia and 40,000 metric tonnes from India this month.

In addition, 100,000 tonnes of crude oil is expected to arrive in mid-April. Discussions are underway to import from other alternative sources, including Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Australia and the United States.

"Three crude oil ships are loaded in the Middle East. If the 'green signal' is received from the Strait of Hormuz, it will be possible to bring them to the country," said Monir Hossain Chowdhury, spokesperson for the Department of Energy and Mineral Resources. "All alternative routes have been kept open for this. There is no chances of any problem in April."

On Thursday morning, a visit to different areas of the capital also showed long queues at the pumps and vehicles stalled. Many drivers even complained that they were facing problems getting gas.

Experts say that restoring customer confidence and ensuring discipline in the oil supply system are the main challenges now.