To improve its depleted fuel reserves and prevent shortages, Bangladeshhas formally requested an additional 50,000 metric tonnes of diesel from India over the next four months March–June. This shortage was
conveyed by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury to Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma on March 9. Bangladesh relies heavily on imported fuels oil, gas, coal for power generation and other needs. Recent global disruptions are linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Bangladesh is in bad situation after Iran-related war that has worsened supply pressures and prices. Bangladesh has secured diesel imports including from India’s Numaligarh Refinery and via the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. According to government sources, an immediate 5,000 tonnes are already arriving on March 10. India is positively reviewing the extra request and will go by agreement. India is committed to maintain good relationship with Bangladesh specially in new regime. Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), said, “We have an agreement with India, and according to that agreement, India will supply 180,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh via the pipeline each year. The 5,000 tons of diesel that is arriving now is a part of that agreement.” “According to the agreement, at least 90,000 tons of diesel should be imported to Bangladesh within six months. The consignment arriving today is 5,000 tons, and we hope that within the next two months, we will bring in the total diesel amount for the entire six months,” he told ANI. Earlier in the week, Bangladesh on Sunday, conducted drives to inspect the fuel stock situation, Bangladesh Energy Ministry said. “In the current crisis situation, various media outlets have reported that some unscrupulous traders are illegally stockpiling fuel in an attempt to create an artificial shortage in the market,” Bangladesh Energy Ministry said in a statement. “To address this crisis, the government has already fixed fuel supply limits based on vehicle categories. Nevertheless, it has been observed that at various petrol pumps/filling stations, fuel is being sold in excess of the government-approved limit, additional stock is being hoarded for excessive profit, and there are tendencies of selling fuel on the open market and engaging in smuggling,” it added. In this context, Bangladesh government conducted mobile court drives in order to prevent illegal stockpiling of fuel, sale beyond the prescribed limit etc. Information regarding the Mobile Court operations conducted by the Executive Magistrate in capital Dhaka: City Filling Station, Tejgaon, Dhaka (MPL) – Dry since yesterday. Operations will resume once fuel arrives shortly. Clean Fuel, Tejgaon (POPLC) – Operating in compliance with all regulations.
With ANI Inputs
