No fuel crisis expected in April: Energy Division

The government's Energy and Mineral Resources Department has assured that there will be no shortage or crisis of fuel oil in Bangladesh this April.

Joint Secretary of the department, Monir Hossain Chowdhury, confirmed this information at a special press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday (April 2). He said that the country's energy security has been stable throughout April. Due to various steps taken by the government, the supply of oil will remain normal and the people have been specially requested not to panic.

The Joint Secretary said that Iran has recently given permission to six ships of Bangladesh through the Strait of Hormuz, including an important crude oil ship. If these ships reach the country and the oil is unloaded at the state-owned Eastern Refinery in Chittagong, there will be no issue of oil shortage in the country.

He also mentioned that the government is working with the interests of the people as the highest priority. Despite the instability in the international market, oil prices have not been increased. However, unnecessary hoarding of oil among the common citizens may create an artificial crisis, so it has been urged to refrain from such activities.

Monir Hossain Chowdhury, referring to the country's energy conservation as a national responsibility, said, "Every citizen should be frugal and protect national interests." He also said that the government is taking a tough stance against illegal hoarders and black marketers of oil.

Since March 3, 372388 liters of fuel oil have been recovered in special operations. Of this, 25,537 liters of oil were recovered in a single day on April 1 alone. It has been warned that this operation will continue.

At the press conference, the Joint Secretary also said that government departments are working round the clock to ensure that the fuel supply chain remains operational and any unforeseen situation can be dealt with. Refining work is going on regularly at the Eastern Refinery and sufficient oil has been stored to supply the market.

It is expected that this announcement by the government will alleviate the prevailing anxiety among the common people to some extent.