NewKerala.com

Bangladesh Recovers 87,700 Litres of Hoarded Fuel Amid Global Energy Crisis

District administrations across Bangladesh have recovered 87,700 litres of illegally hoarded fuel in a major 24-hour crackdown, filing 191 cases. The operation comes as a severe energy crisis, exacerbated by conflict in West Asia, causes long queues and chaos at fuel stations. To bolster supplies, Bangladesh has accepted an additional 5,000 tons of diesel from India, with a proposal for 40,000 tons more in April. The government is also actively seeking to diversify its fuel imports by contacting suppliers from Singapore to the United States.

Key Points: Bangladesh Cracks Down on Fuel Hoarding, Secures Imports

  • 87,700 litres of fuel recovered
  • 191 cases filed in 24-hour crackdown
  • India supplies extra 5,000 tons of diesel
  • Government seeks new import partners
  • Fuel crisis causes chaos at stations
2 min read

Bangladesh: 87,700 litres of illegally hoarded fuel recovered in nationwide crackdown, official says

Bangladesh recovers 87,700 litres of hoarded fuel in nationwide raids amid a severe energy crisis, while securing additional diesel imports from India.

"An additional 5,000 tons of diesel have arrived in Bangladesh from India. - Md. Murshed Hossain Azad"

Dhaka, March 31

As tensions escalate in West Asia and the Gulf region--impacting energy supplies globally, Dhaka Tribune reported on Tuesday, citing officials, that district administrations across 64 districts recovered 87,700 litres of illegally hoarded fuel in 24 hours.

As per the Dhaka Tribune, during the drives, 191 cases were filed and fines totalling Tk 935,070 were imposed.

The details were shared by Monir Hossain Chowdhury, spokesperson and joint secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, at a press briefing at the Secretariat. He said 391 drives were conducted during the period based on reports from district administrations.

It was also reported that seven individuals were sentenced during the operations. One person in Satkhira received a two-month jail term, one in Chandpur was sentenced to one year, and one in Gazipur received one month.

According to Dhaka Tribune, of the recovered fuel, 67,400 litres were diesel, 6,444 litres octane, and 13,856 litres petrol.

Amid the energy crisis in Bangladesh caused by the conflict in West Asia, India has supplied an additional 5,000 tons of diesel, a senior government official said on Friday night.

"An additional 5,000 tons of diesel have arrived in Bangladesh from India. With this, Bangladesh has now received a total of 15,000 tons of diesel from India in recent times," Md. Murshed Hossain Azad, General Manager (Commercial), Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), told ANI over the phone.

"In the coming month of April, India has proposed to supply 40,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh. We have officially accepted this proposal," Azad said, without elaborating.

Bangladesh imports diesel primarily from India, Singapore, and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star reported that the government is moving to diversify its fuel imports. It has reached out to Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Australia and the US for potential fuel and gas supplies.

The country is also expecting two additional shipments at around 6,000 tonnes from Indonesia.

Also in March, the price of aviation fuel (jet fuel) was increased for the second time in a month in Bangladesh.

Due to the ongoing conflict in the West Asia, the fuel crisis in Bangladesh has taken on a severe form, especially at various fuel stations, where there are long queues and all sorts of chaotic conditions, with petrol pump owners are also expressing serious concerns.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The global energy market is so interconnected. Conflict in West Asia causes queues in Dhaka. It's heartening to see India stepping up as a reliable supplier to its neighbor. This is what regional cooperation should look like.
P
Priya S
While India's support is commendable, we must also ensure our own energy security isn't compromised. Our refineries are working overtime. Hope the government is planning for the long term, not just immediate neighborly help.
R
Rohit P
87,700 litres is a huge amount to be hoarded! These black marketeers have no shame during a crisis. The jail sentences are fully deserved. Hope the crackdown continues.
M
Michael C
The move to diversify imports to Singapore, US, Australia etc. is smart. Over-reliance on any one region is risky. Global conflicts show how fragile supply chains are. Bangladesh is learning this the hard way.
K
Kavya N
As an Indian, I feel proud that we can help a friendly neighbor in need. The proposed 40,000 tons in April is significant. This strengthens our 'Neighbourhood First' policy. 🙏
V
Vikram M
A respectful criticism: The article mentions India's supply, but we should also discuss the terms. Is it a grant, a loan, or market

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50