Asifur Rahman

The country’s fuel supply chain is under strain as sharp post-Eid surge in demand collides with import uncertainty tied to the US-Israel war on Iran.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, in an unprecedented move, yesterday hiked jet fuel prices by a whopping 80 percent at the consumer level, citing volatility in the global market linked to the US-Israel war on Iran.

The government will not be increasing the fuel supply beyond the existing amount, as it needs this month’s stock to finish while it explores alternative options for next month’s consignments.

Fuel supply disruptions have begun to affect inter‑district bus services ahead of Eid‑ul‑Fitr, with operators struggling to maintain schedules as passenger pressure builds.

The government has managed to curb the drain on national fuel stocks by imposing restrictions on purchases for 10 days straight, bringing daily demand back to near last year’s levels.

Chattogram supply smooth after fresh deliveries

Filling stations in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Gazipur saw long queues yesterday even though the government has lifted the restrictions on fuel distribution.

The government is set to ease restrictions on fuel lifting for vehicles from today, amid mounting pressure on refuelling stations ahead of the Eid travel rush, while authorities insist that adequate supplies will be maintained throughout the holiday period.

Move aimed at easing Eid travel

Low prices through the end of this decade may make liquefied natural gas (LNG) temporarily more attractive, but they could obscure the long-term risks for developing economies like Bangladesh, according to the latest briefing by the Global Energy Monitor (GEM).

The 13th parliament yesterday held its inaugural sitting amid a heated atmosphere, as opposition MPs staged a walkout in protest against President Mohammed Shahabuddin speaking in the House.

The government has formally requested the US to allow Bangladesh to purchase Russian oil, similar to the arrangement provided to India, to address potential supply shortages and reduce the economic impact of the surge in crude oil prices amid the US-Israel war on Iran.

The government is scrambling to secure alternative fuel sources amid the US-Israel war on Iran, as the lion’s share of Bangladesh’s fuel imports originates from the Middle East.

With the government struggling to manage growing panic over fuel amid the US-Israel war on Iran, the key commodity surged beyond $100 a barrel yesterday, raising fresh concerns for highly import-dependent Bangladesh.

Government efforts to strengthen monitoring of the fuel supply chain appear to have done little to ease sufferings, as shortages and long queues at filling stations continued across the country yesterday.

Bangladesh’s energy security has once again shown its vulnerability amid the ongoing Middle East war, echoing challenges faced during the 2020 Russia-Ukraine conflict, as it relies heavily on timely fuel imports while maintaining only a short-term stock buffer.

Many filling stations across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, ran dry yesterday as panic buying continued for a second day amid fears of supply disruption due to the war in the Middle East.

Energy minister assures people of adequate stock, supply

Filling stations across the country, including in Dhaka and Chattogram, were overcrowded on the weekend as panic buying continued amid fears of supply disruptions due to the war in the Middle East.

Narvin Begum, a day labourer supporting a four-member family, uses LPG for quick morning cooking and firewood for other meals.