Home
+
Published : 07 Jun 2026, 07:55 PM
A parliamentary special committee has proposed expanding strategic fuel reserves to cover a minimum of three months of demand, while urging diversified import sources and stronger measures to curb hoarding and smuggling.
The committee's chief Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood presented the report on the opening day of the FY2026-27 budget session in parliament on Sunday.
The report, titled Actions Required to Mitigate the Recent Fuel Situation, outlines strategies to safeguard national energy security.
The report said recent pressure on the country’s fuel supply system was driven by rising international oil prices, conflict in West Asia, disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, global supply chain instability, and domestic factors including panic buying, illegal stockpiling and black market activity.
It added that the impact was felt across transport, agriculture, industrial production and the daily lives of citizens.
Following concerns over global fuel supply during the West Asia conflict in April, the issue was discussed in parliament, leading to the formation of a 10-member special committee comprising members from both the ruling and opposition parties.
The committee recommended building a strategic fuel reserve equivalent to at least three months of demand.
It noted that Bangladesh currently lacks sufficient long-term storage capacity, making the supply system vulnerable to disruptions in imports.
The report also called for diversification of import sources, full automation of fuel supply systems and the introduction of digital monitoring mechanisms.
It further recommended strengthening legal measures to prevent illegal stockpiling, smuggling and artificial shortages in the market.
