Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Zahed Ur Rahman has said that while octane supply has improved slightly, there has been a decline in other fuel supplies. However, the situation is not severe and remains under control.
Despite a heavy subsidy burden in the power and energy sector, the adviser said, the government is managing it to minimise the impact on the public.
Speaking at a press conference at the Press Information Department conference room at the Secretariat, he addressed public concerns triggered by long queues at filling stations and clarified that the disruption is limited.
Comparing March figures for 2025 and 2026, Rahman said diesel supply fell modestly from 396,098 metric tonnes to 363,512 metric tonnes, while petrol supply declined from 46,371 metric tonnes to 39,998 metric tonnes. Octane supply, however, rose slightly to 37,439 metric tonnes from 36,982 metric tonnes a year earlier.
"This indicates there is some supply-related pressure, but not a significant drop," he said, adding that a reduction of around 7,000 metric tonnes in petrol supply points to a manageable situation rather than a crisis.
Rahman pointed to panic buying and illegal hoarding as key reasons behind the perceived shortage. "There are indications that some individuals are stockpiling fuel for potential smuggling or selling at higher prices," he said, noting that increased storage in homes and border areas supports such concerns.
He added that public anxiety over possible future shortages has led many consumers to purchase and store fuel in excess, further straining supply distribution.
Highlighting the subsidy burden in the power and energy sector, the adviser said, "When we assumed office, there was already a subsidy burden exceeding Tk 45,000 crore, and it still continues. The government is increasing subsidies further to keep fuel prices stable.
"There is significant pressure from subsidies. The government is trying to manage it in a way that minimises the impact on the public, though some pressure will remain."
Despite rising global fuel prices, the government has decided not to increase domestic fuel prices for at least another month.
"We want to wait and observe. If the situation worsens, we may have to take tougher decisions. It is important to clearly communicate to the public why such decisions are taken and what outcomes we expect," he said.
Outstanding dues in the power sector also remain high, including Tk 20,272 crore owed to independent power producers (IPPs), Tk 2,904 crore to Adani Power, Tk 6,434 crore to joint ventures, Tk 10,045 crore to Petrobangla, and Tk 7,303 crore to state-owned power companies.
According to official data as of April 6, national fuel reserves remain stable, with 114,122 metric tonnes of diesel, 10,151 metric tonnes of octane, and 13,805 metric tonnes of petrol in stock.
Rahman reiterated that Bangladesh is not facing a severe fuel crisis and that the current situation remains manageable with adequate reserves and ongoing monitoring.
He added that enforcement drives have been strengthened to prevent hoarding and smuggling, while the government continues efforts to manage supply and minimise public inconveniences.
Providing data from recent enforcement drives, the adviser said that as of the morning of April 6, stockpiles included 114,122 metric tonnes of diesel, 10,151 metric tonnes of octane, and 13,805 metric tonnes of petrol.
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