Authorities have seized 3,72,388 litres of illegally hoarded fuel through 4,824 operations conducted nationwide from 3 March to 1 April, a senior energy ministry official said on Thursday.
Joint Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Monir Hossain Chowdhury disclosed the figures at a regular briefing on the fuel situation at the Secretariat.
The official said there are adequate reserves of petrol, octane, and diesel, with the government currently holding 1,22,660 metric tons of suppliable diesel in reserve.
However, panic buying has not yet subsided, which is impacting filling pumps, Chowdhury said, adding that the tendency toward abnormal hoarding is also partly responsible for the ongoing crisis.
“Fuel oil is being supplied as per schedule,” he assured.
The joint secretary said the government has instructed District Commissioners to ensure diesel availability among farmers nationwide. Online meetings were held with DCs from 64 districts, where the ministry informed them of adequate diesel reserves and directed them to take necessary measures.
“There would be no fuel crisis if the tendency to hoard is avoided,” Chowdhury said.
He noted that the government has not increased fuel oil prices, considering the people’s interests, adding that the Power Division will be supplied with necessary gas for electricity generation.
A fuel pass app for certain vehicles will be launched on a trial basis within about a week, the briefing also announced.
Energy Minister issues stern warning
Earlier in the morning, at a meeting with senior officials of the Energy Ministry and fuel marketing companies Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna, the energy minister issued stern directives to stop corruption and mismanagement in the supply system.
Instructions were given to launch a central digital control and monitoring dashboard and take all necessary measures to bring transparency and discipline to the supply system while preventing illegal hoarding.
A warning was issued that strict administrative action would be taken if irregularities are proven.
