The government is preparing to mobilise funds from both domestic and international sources to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply, as authorities intensify efforts to manage the country’s fuel situation and prevent disruptions in distribution.
Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Sunday said the government will not spare any effort to arrange the necessary funds to guarantee energy security.
Speaking to reporters at his office at the Ministry of Finance, he said ensuring energy security has become a top priority for the government at the current time.
“To ensure the supply of fuel oil, we are allocating funds by reducing expenditures from various sectors if necessary,” he said, adding that the government is also considering borrowing from international development partners.
Titumir said the government is exploring options to obtain fuel-related financing from organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank.
“We will try to arrange funds for fuel oil from any possible source. Our aim is to secure loans at the lowest possible interest rate,” he said.
The adviser also said the government is maintaining communication with various countries to explore new sources of fuel supply in order to strengthen the country’s energy security.
9-point directive to district administrations
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has issued a set of nine instructions to deputy commissioners to maintain discipline in the supply and marketing of fuel oil.
The directives were given by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit during an online discussion meeting on Sunday.
The meeting, which focused on maintaining order in fuel supply and marketing management, was attended virtually by the Cabinet Secretary of Bangladesh, the Public Administration Secretary of Bangladesh, and deputy commissioners from across the country, according to a press release issued by the ministry.
Under the directives, district commissioners have been asked to verify depot stocks daily by checking opening and closing inventories and submitting reports regularly.
They have also been instructed to ensure that fuel allocated from depots reaches petrol pumps properly and to supervise distribution among various customers, including petrol pump dealers, agency dealers, packed point dealers and direct clients.
The district administrations were further asked to investigate the reasons if any petrol pump remains closed and cross-check its supply records with the relevant depot.
Authorities have also been directed to prevent illegal hoarding of fuel oil, ensure the security of oil depots and stop fuel smuggling.
District officials have been asked to keep strict watch on any attempt to sell fuel at excessive prices and take exemplary action against offenders. Surveillance at the district level is also to be strengthened.
Measures to save electricity
The state minister said the government is sincerely trying to prevent public suffering from worsening amid the current global energy situation.
He urged officials and the public to remain aware and play a responsible role in addressing the situation.
As part of energy-saving measures, he called for several steps to be implemented through district administrations. These include refraining from decorating shops and business establishments with excessive lighting, keeping air conditioner temperatures at 25 degrees Celsius or above, and switching off signboard lights after business hours.
He also sought the cooperation of district administrations in tackling the power and energy challenges facing the country.
Meeting with filling station owners
Earlier in the day, the state minister held a meeting with leaders of the Petrol Pump Owners Association of Bangladesh at the energy ministry.
During the meeting, he requested their cooperation in maintaining a normal fuel supply across the country.
Association leaders assured the government that the situation would be stabilised quickly through discussions and coordinated decisions with relevant authorities.