Markets, shopping malls to turn off decorative lights from Sunday

In the context of volatility and price hikes in the global fuel market due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association has decided to keep decorative lights and unnecessary lamps switched off in all shops and shopping malls across the country to conserve fuel. The decision will take effect from tomorrow, Sunday, March 8.

Association President Helal Uddin informed journalists of this information in the capital on Saturday, March 7. He said, "This is an internationally created situation. A fuel crisis has arisen due to the war between America, Israel and Iran. We believe that whatever the reason, we must be economical. From tomorrow, we will keep all decorative lights in all markets switched off. Additionally, unnecessary lights will also be kept off."

Analysts identify the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most crucial maritime routes for fuel supply, as the main reason for the volatility in the global fuel market. A significant portion of the world's total fuel oil is transported through this route. With the strait closed, fears of a global fuel crisis emerging soon have arisen.

Meanwhile, alongside this call for fuel conservation, the government has already taken steps to ration and supply fuel oil within the country. However, Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has clearly stated that there is no reason to worry as the country has adequate fuel reserves. Additionally, the minister has announced that mobile courts will be operational from Sunday to prevent attempts to create an artificial crisis by hoarding oil.