Dhaka: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given the green light to three proposals for procuring a total of 16 lakh metric tons of diesel and one lakh metric tons of octane. This decision aims to address the rising energy demand in the country, which has been exacerbated by current global geopolitical instability.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the approvals were given during the eighth meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs this year. The virtual meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The Committee reviewed and approved proposals from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.
The first proposal approved involves importing 10 lakh metric tons of En590-10 PPM diesel and one lakh metric tons of octane (gasoline 95 unladed) from DBS Trading House FZCO through the direct procurement method under international purchase agreements.
Another proposal was also approved for the procurement of one lakh metric tons of 50 PPM sulfur diesel from Maxwell International SPC using the direct procurement method for international purchases.
Additionally, the meeting approved the import of five lakh metric tons of High Speed Diesel (AGO) from Kazakh Gas Processing Plant LLP through the same procurement method. These measures are intended to ensure a stable fuel supply amid the unstable geopolitical conditions arising from the Middle East.