Despite a slight rise in global oil prices due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Energy Affairs Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has assured that there are no immediate plans to raise fuel prices in the domestic market.
“Any disruption to fuel supplies will depend on the duration of the conflict,” Khan told reporters after a contract signing ceremony at Bidyut Bhaban in the capital on Tuesday. “For now, we have short-term fuel arrangements in place. Even though international prices have increased slightly, domestic prices will stay the same, and adjustments will be made using the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s profits.”
He also noted that the government is closely monitoring the Middle East crisis and will neither increase subsidies nor domestic fuel prices. Measures to cut costs in fuel imports are also being pursued, he added.
“Just last week, we saved Tk 21 crore through a single tender,” Khan said, highlighting ongoing cost-saving initiatives.
Speaking earlier at the signing event, Khan emphasized that energy security is a top priority. “There are already substantial subsidies in the power and energy sector — these cannot be increased. Hence, we must cut expenses, and millions of dollars have already been saved,” he noted.
During the ceremony, Sylhet-based Jalalabad Gas PLC signed a gas sales agreement with LafargeHolcim. Under the deal, Jalalabad Gas will supply natural gas to LafargeHolcim’s cement plant in Chhatak, Sunamganj.