Fuel supply situation improving, distribution schedule restored: Minister

Fuel supply situation is gradually returning to normal, with imports resuming and a distribution schedule now in place, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Sunday (September 27).

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Tuku said disruptions to oil and gas supplies from the Middle East had temporarily complicated fuel procurement and delayed shipments to Bangladesh. An incident involving a fire at a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) also contributed to delays, he said.

The minister said the government had to seek alternative sources after the crisis disrupted the country’s main fuel supply routes. He said fuel was now arriving in Bangladesh and distribution had been brought back on schedule.

The government had also secured fuel from alternative sources at higher prices to reduce pressure on consumers, Tuku said, adding that the disruptions were caused by circumstances beyond the government’s control.

He expressed hope that electricity and fuel supplies would remain stable if there were no further accidents or major disruptions. He also said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had personally intervened to help resolve the crisis and that relevant agencies had worked together to restore supplies.

Tuku said the government remained focused on preventing further hardship for consumers and maintaining uninterrupted fuel and power supplies.