Bangladesh has no shortage of fuel and two more fuel-carrying ships are scheduled to arrive at the country’s ports on 9 March, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Saturday.
“There is no chance of a fuel shortage but since a war is ongoing, we have to plan and manage carefully and maintain austerity,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
He said a rationing system has been introduced as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing war to ensure that fuel reserves remain sufficient.
“Fearing rationing, some people have even started storing fuel in advance,” he said.
The minister urged citizens not to panic or hoard fuel, saying the country has adequate reserves.
Tuku said the government has taken all necessary steps to maintain supply and asked people to buy fuel only as needed.
He also said mobile courts will begin operations from Sunday at petrol pumps to prevent irregularities in fuel distribution.
Among others present during the briefing were Power, Energy and Mineral Resources State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, Power Division Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam and Prime Minister Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
