Bangladesh has decided to keep fuel prices unchanged for April, signalling confidence in domestic energy supply despite continued volatility in global oil markets.
Under the government’s monthly pricing mechanism, diesel will remain at Tk100 per litre, kerosene at Tk112, petrol at Tk116 and octane at Tk120, according to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
The decision comes at a time when global energy markets remain unstable due to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. However, authorities say Bangladesh’s current fuel reserves and import planning are sufficient to maintain supply stability.
Officials stressed that the country is not facing a fuel shortage, despite visible pressure at filling stations. Long queues reported in Dhaka and other areas have been attributed to panic buying rather than actual supply constraints.
Government data shows that Bangladesh currently holds around 192,919 tonnes of fuel stock, including diesel, petrol, octane and jet fuel. Diesel alone accounts for the majority of reserves, reflecting its critical role in agriculture, transport and power generation.
Energy officials said maintaining price stability is part of a broader strategy to ensure market discipline and energy security, while also protecting consumers from sudden global price shocks.
At the same time, authorities have intensified enforcement against fuel hoarding and illegal trading. More than 1,200 cases have been filed, fines imposed and significant quantities of fuel seized as part of a nationwide crackdown.
The government has also taken steps to secure supply by increasing imports and strengthening monitoring across the distribution network, including border areas to prevent smuggling.
Bangladesh’s annual fuel demand stands at approximately 7.5 million tonnes, with diesel accounting for about 75 per cent of total consumption, highlighting its importance for economic activity.
Officials have urged consumers to avoid unnecessary stockpiling and use fuel responsibly, warning that irregular demand patterns can disrupt distribution and create artificial shortages.
Energy analysts say the decision to keep prices unchanged reflects a cautious policy approach, balancing global uncertainty with domestic supply management to maintain stability in the energy sector.
