Dhaka: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today urged the country’s people to pursue austerity in energy consumption and avoid panic buying, saying that the government is working to ensure stable fuel and electricity supply despite global energy challenges. Replying to a supplementary question in the Jatiya Sangsad from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Md Shafiqul Islam (Patuakhali-2), the minister emphasized that the government is supplying fuel according to daily stock and distribution plans and is actively taking steps to maintain a normal supply.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister addressed allegations of irregularities in fuel distribution at the local level, including dealers closing shops and selling fuel illegally. He noted that these issues could be resolved through law enforcement actions if reported to local authorities. Highlighting the global energy crisis, he explained that the current situation is a worldwide problem, but Bangladesh is striving to manage it efficiently.
The minister urged citizens not to create panic by purchasing excessive fuel and to buy only what is necessary. He noted that global practices of energy austerity are being mirrored in Bangladesh, where citizens are requested to be economical in their energy use. By doing so, he believes that public cooperation will help maintain a stable energy supply across the nation.
He further informed the House about government plans to utilize gas from Bhola to operate power plants, including supplying gas to existing power stations in Khulna. Responding to another supplementary question from NCP lawmaker Md. Abul Hasnat (Cumilla-4), the minister assured that the daily fuel allocations to petrol pumps are being met.
However, he acknowledged that after a recent incident in Iran, fuel sales unexpectedly surged, causing the quantity of fuel that previously took more than a day to sell out to be depleted within hours. This surge led to panic buying, resulting in long queues at petrol stations. Despite this, Iqbal reassured that petrol supply has not ceased, as it continues to be replenished regularly every day.