Prime Minister Orders Crackdown on Fuel Hoarding, Says No Supply Crisis

The Prime Minister has directed authorities to take strict action against fuel hoarding and smuggling, warning against attempts to create an artificial oil crisis in the country.

The directive came during a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party held at the Parliament Secretariat on Saturday, ahead of the resumption of the 13th parliament session after a 14-day recess.

According to Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, the Prime Minister instructed Members of Parliament to remain vigilant across their constituencies to prevent fuel price manipulation and ensure smooth supply.

Tarique Rahman also asked the government machinery, including district and field-level administrations, to coordinate efforts and take immediate action wherever irregularities are found.

To reinforce the government’s position, the Prime Minister directed Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to deliver a statement in parliament under Section 300 of the Rules of Procedure, signaling a strict stance against fuel hoarding.

Officials said the government is currently providing a monthly subsidy of around Tk 200 crore to keep fuel prices stable. However, authorities believe that a section of syndicates is attempting to manipulate the market by hoarding fuel and spreading panic.

The meeting was informed that Bangladesh has sufficient fuel supply, with around 200,000 metric tonnes of oil already anchored at ports and another 200,000 metric tonnes expected to arrive soon.

The Chief Whip emphasized that there is no real shortage, attributing the perceived crisis to panic buying, misleading reports, and smuggling driven by higher fuel prices in neighboring countries.

The Prime Minister also instructed the Home Ministry to intensify operations against fuel smuggling, alongside simultaneous drives targeting illegal stockpiling.

In addition to fuel issues, the meeting reviewed recent transport accidents, including the Daulatdia ferry incident and railway mishaps. Ministers discussed causes and preventive measures to improve safety.

Parliamentary matters were also addressed, with expectations that decisions on standing committees may be finalized in the next session scheduled for Sunday afternoon.