Fuel oil stocks are sufficient, and oil-carrying vessels are arriving as planned, ensuring that the entire month of April remains secure.
This information was shared on Thursday (April 2) at the Secretariat by Monir Hossain Chowdhury, spokesperson for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and Joint Secretary (Operations), during a press briefing on the overall energy situation.
Speaking about fuel demand and imports, he said, “The annual demand for diesel is, on average, around 350,000 tonnes. For octane and petrol combined, the yearly requirement is about 70,000 tonnes. On a daily basis, consumption stands at around 1,200 tonnes for petrol and octane, and about 1,400 tonnes for diesel.”
The Joint Secretary added, “Based on my calculations, we have adequate stock. There is no shortage. There is no problem with diesel either. We are importing according to our monthly plans. The month of April is completely secure.”
“We also held a meeting this morning. Current stock levels and incoming shipments are all on schedule. Therefore, there will be no inconvenience, Inshallah,” he said.
Responding to a question about why fuel is sometimes unavailable at filling stations despite there being no shortage, he said, “We have been giving the same answer every day. The volume we supplied last year is the same as this year. We are observing that filling stations are occasionally closing. However, panic buying among the public has not yet stopped, which is sometimes disrupting the supply chain. There is also a tendency to stockpile. However, there is no shortage in normal supply.”
He further said, “Filling station authorities are in a better position to explain the unavailability of fuel at stations. From our side, we are ensuring a regular supply.”
When asked about progress on a letter seeking US approval to import fuel from Russia, Monir Hossain said that no response has yet been received.
Regarding illegal stockpiling and penalties, he said, “The minister has already issued a strong warning. Actions are being taken in accordance with the law. Law enforcement agencies are working. If anyone from any company is found involved, action is being taken against them as well.”
On the issue of no dealer licenses being canceled despite large seizures of illegally stored fuel, he said, “There are four types of dealerships. It is difficult to specify exactly where the stockpiling is taking place.”
Illegal Stockpiled Fuel Seizure in March
Monir Hossain said authorities seized a total of 372,388 litres of illegally stored fuel during drives conducted across the country in March.
A total of 4,824 drives were conducted between March 3 and April 1, during which 2,009 cases were filed.
Additionally, fines amounting to Tk 1,01,00,435 were imposed, and 24 people were sentenced to imprisonment during the drives, he added. The seized fuel included 271,374 litres of diesel, 30,960 litres of octane, and 70,054 litres of petrol, the official said.