Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmood has said that the ongoing energy crisis may persist through the upcoming Eid holiday. However, he noted that the situation can be kept under control through prudent management and energy conservation.
He explained that during the holiday period, industrial operations typically decline, which reduces electricity demand and helps ease pressure on the power supply system.
The minister made these remarks at a press conference held on Wednesday (March 4) in the conference room of the Secretariat.
The energy minister stated that international instability and the ongoing global energy crisis have created pressure in the fuel market. In response, the government is trying to maintain normal supply through cost-saving and efficient management measures.
However, he acknowledged that diesel demand has recently increased abnormally, prompting the government to investigate the matter.
“Diesel sales have suddenly risen. According to our information, as prices are higher across the border, some quantity of diesel may be being smuggled out. Surveillance in border areas has therefore been strengthened,” he said.
He added that this is not only Bangladesh’s problem; countries worldwide are competing to secure energy supplies. Bangladesh has also entered the spot market but is not receiving the expected response. “Given the limited reserves we have, there is no alternative but to use them cautiously,” he said.
Regarding a possible fuel price hike, the minister said the government is regularly reviewing international market conditions. The Prime Minister is being briefed daily on both global and domestic energy developments. For now, he assessed that there is no immediate risk of a major price increase.
“Our main task now is crisis management. We must handle the situation by using our available supply in a cost-effective manner,” he added.
Ministry Statement
Due to ongoing instability in the Middle East, global energy supplies have been disrupted, raising concerns of a temporary energy shortage in the country. To address the emerging situation, an emergency review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood.
The meeting was informed that securing the desired volume of fuel from potential sources in a timely manner has become uncertain. As a result, temporary disruptions, supply reductions, or adjustments in domestic fuel supply may be necessary. This could slightly reduce electricity generation and fertilizer production.
However, to prevent public suffering during the holy month of Ramadan, the following directives have been issued:
• The ministry has sought cooperation from the general public and urged energy conservation in electricity and fuel use.
• All forms of decorative lighting have been discouraged.
• Citizens have been requested to reduce the use of private vehicles and use public transportation instead.
• Law enforcement agencies and traders have been instructed to prevent open-market sales of diesel and petrol.
• District administrations, police authorities, and Border Guard Bangladesh have been requested to take necessary measures to prevent fuel smuggling.
The ministry also stated that it has already taken all possible steps to minimize the negative impact of the global situation. Efforts are underway to procure fuel from all available sources to maintain normal supply.
The public has been urged to remain patient and extend full cooperation to ensure the success of the government’s measures in managing the temporary crisis.
The meeting was attended by State Minister Anindya Islam Amit, the Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the Chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, the Chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board, and other relevant officials.
