Written by The Banking Post
The government may consider adjusting fuel prices if tensions in the Middle East persist and disrupt global energy markets, Prime Minister’s Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Wednesday.
He stressed that no decision has been taken yet, and any move will depend on how the situation evolves. “If the crisis continues for long, it will be difficult to maintain subsidies indefinitely,” he said, pointing to risks around shipping routes and Iran that could drive up global prices.
The adviser clarified that there will be no fuel price hike in April. “I am saying it may be necessary—not that it will definitely happen,” he added, urging caution against misinterpretation.
Domestic supply pressures have also emerged. Temporary disruptions at Eastern Refinery Limited—which meets about a quarter of the country’s fuel demand, especially petrol and octane—have tightened availability.
The situation has been compounded by delays in a 100,000-tonne fuel shipment from Saudi Arabia, with another consignment expected in early May.
To stabilise supply, the government has stepped up imports of refined fuel and is building reserves. The issue has also been reviewed in a high-level meeting with the prime minister.
At the consumer level, signs of strain are visible. Long queues have formed at petrol stations in Dhaka and other areas, driven in part by panic buying and repeated purchases beyond immediate needs.
While supply to pumps has not been cut, stocks are depleting faster due to unusually high demand, the adviser said, adding that detailed, pump-wise supply data will be released soon.
