The country is not facing any shortage of fuel, and there are currently no plans to increase prices, assured Anindya Islam Amit, the State Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources.
Speaking at the Secretariat on Tuesday, 10 March, in response to questions regarding the nation’s fuel supply, the minister emphasised that both historically and at present, there has been no disruption in the availability of energy resources. “The government is taking all possible measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel and electricity supply, particularly during the forthcoming Ramadan and Eid festivals,” he said.
Public Concern Behind Fuel Queueing
The minister explained that recent long queues at petrol stations, primarily involving motorcycles and private vehicles, are largely driven by public concern rather than an actual shortage. “The fuel in demand—petrol and octane—remains adequately available. The lines are a reflection of anticipation and anxiety among consumers, not a supply deficit,” he noted.
He further clarified that almost all petrol is refined domestically, while a significant portion of octane is also produced locally, with only a minor portion requiring import. Diesel and furnace oil, however, remain more reliant on imports. “Fear of potential shortages or price increases has led some people to stock up preemptively, creating temporary congestion at pumps,” the minister added.
Fuel Supply Status
Assuring the public, he said that no petrol station has experienced a genuine fuel shortage. While brief waiting periods may have occurred in some areas, supply has continued uninterrupted, and prices have remained stable.
Recent fuel arrivals are as follows:
| Date | Vessel Status | Quantity (Tonnes) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 March | Arrived | 30,000 | Fuel unloading in progress |
| 10 March | Outer Anchorage | 30,000 | Expected to unload by afternoon |
| 12 March | Scheduled Arrival | TBD | Additional supply |
On imports from India, the minister confirmed that under a pipeline agreement, an average of 15,000 tonnes of fuel is received monthly. A substantial portion has already arrived, with the remainder being delivered steadily. “This supply contract is renewed annually and remains active, ensuring there is no risk of shortage,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Amit reassured the nation: “There has never been a fuel crisis in the past, nor is there one now. The government is committed to ensuring smooth energy supply throughout the festive season.”
