PM orders action to prevent fuel hoarding, smuggling

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered strict action to prevent artificial fuel shortages and cross-border smuggling, urging lawmakers to remain alert in their constituencies to ensure steady supply.

Nurul Islam, chief whip of Parliament, told reporters on Saturday after a ruling party Parliamentary Committee meeting at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban that the Prime Minister’s directives are aimed at protecting consumers and stabilising domestic fuel prices amid surging global oil costs caused by the Middle East conflict.

“About Tk200 crore in subsidies is allocated monthly to maintain affordable fuel, but some groups are trying to create artificial scarcity,” Nurul Islam said. “Cases of cross-border smuggling have also come to light.”

The Prime Minister has instructed the home minister to launch targeted operations against hoarding and illegal trade. Lawmakers have been asked to coordinate with local and district authorities to monitor supply, prevent price manipulation, and ensure fair distribution.

In a new practice, ministers will now provide detailed monthly briefings to MPs, enabling constituency-specific measures to curb fuel-related irregularities.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku will present a full report in parliament on Sunday under Rule 300.

Nurul Islam also said that the formation of parliamentary standing committees will be discussed in tomorrow’s session, with reports on reserved women’s seats and pending bills scheduled for submission by 30 March.