No fuel shortage, price hike to stop smuggling, wastage: Home Minister

There is no shortage of fuel oil or gas in the country, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed claimed in parliament on Monday, April 20. He said the government has raised prices slightly to bring discipline to the energy sector by preventing smuggling and wastage.

The minister made these remarks in response to an adjournment motion tabled by the opposition leader. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal presided over the session.

The home minister said adjournment motions are typically brought by the opposition to disrupt treasury bench or government activities. However, two such motions have already been discussed this session, setting a unique precedent. Allowing another would create a negative tradition for future sessions.

Justifying the price hike, the minister said under the prime minister's direct instruction, prices were raised to a tolerable level for public benefit. At one point, the national economy could no longer afford the situation, forcing the government to raise prices. Lower prices encourage wastage or smuggling. The government took this decision to stop such smuggling and bring discipline.

Rejecting the opposition leader's allegations, Salahuddin Ahmed said the energy and power minister has already made a statement under rule 303, presenting statistics showing no oil or gas shortage. The matter is now clear to the nation. Therefore, there is no need to adjourn parliament for discussion.

He suggested that instead of adjourning parliament, a short discussion on urgent public importance matters could be held under rule 68. He requested the speaker to allow the opposition leader to submit notice under this rule for constructive discussion.