Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has reassured the public that despite higher fuel import prices in the international market, the impact on consumers in Bangladesh will be minimal.
He emphasised that the government is taking measures to effectively manage the situation and prevent any significant rise in living costs.
Speaking to reporters on Friday after inspecting the preparations for the “Basia River” dredging project in Masukganj Bazar, Sylhet Sadar Upazila, Muktadir said, “Even though fuel imports have increased, the government will ensure that it does not burden the people. We have adequate plans in place to manage the situation.”
The minister clarified that the 15 percent hike in diesel prices was relatively modest compared to neighboring countries. He estimated that this small increase in fuel prices could result in a price rise of about 30 paisa per kilogram for goods, which would not significantly impact overall inflation.
Responding to questions about the recent increase in load shedding in Sylhet, Muktadir acknowledged the challenges inherited by the current government, which took office only two months ago. “The current government inherited a legacy of mismanagement and disorder. We are addressing these issues now,” he explained.
Muktadir also pointed out that the country’s electricity generation is still largely dependent on gas, with 17 million cubic feet produced daily. However, the country needs to import an additional 9 million cubic feet of gas to meet demand.
Due to technical issues with gas imports, load shedding has increased. However, the minister assured that the government is working to resolve the issue by improving LNG import capacity and constructing new terminals.
In addition, Muktadir announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the Basia River dredging project on 2 May. The 40-kilometer-long river stretch will be dredged in phases, with 23 kilometers being targeted initially.
The project, which will start from Masukganj Bazar in Sylhet and extend through Osmaninagar to Jagannathpur in Sunamganj, is expected to benefit around 90,000 farmers. The dredging will help ensure irrigation facilities during the dry season, facilitating increased crop production over 20,000 hectares of land.
On the issue of importing high-cost fuel from Saudi Arabia, Muktadir explained that the government is prioritising energy security by increasing fuel reserves.
“We are focusing on building more storage facilities to ensure that the country is not left vulnerable to global energy fluctuations,” he stated.
The minister was accompanied during the visit by Water Resources State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad, Sylhet-3 lawmaker MA Malik, Sylhet-6 MP Imran Ahmad Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, and other local officials, including BNP leaders.
