The government may consider adjusting fuel prices in Bangladesh if the ongoing Middle East conflict persists and continues to disrupt global energy markets, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the conference room of the Directorate of Information at the Secretariat, he said no decision has yet been taken, but prolonged instability - particularly involving Iran and key shipping routes - could make it difficult to sustain fuel subsidies indefinitely.
“The situation remains uncertain. It may improve through negotiations or worsen further. If the crisis continues for a long time, maintaining subsidies will become challenging,” he said.
However, the adviser made it clear that there will be no fuel price hike in April, urging the media not to misinterpret his remarks.
“We are saying adjustments may be necessary if the situation persists - not that a decision has already been made,” he added.
Dr Zahed also pointed to supply-side pressures, including temporary disruptions at Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), which meets about 25 per cent of the country’s fuel demand. A delay in the arrival of a 1 lakh-tonne crude shipment from Saudi Arabia has further strained the situation, though another consignment is expected in early May.
To stabilise supply, the government has increased imports of refined fuel and is building reserves. Despite this, rising demand has led to visible pressure at the consumer level, with long queues reported at petrol pumps in Dhaka and other areas.
The adviser said some consumers were purchasing fuel in excess of immediate needs, accelerating stock depletion, although supply to filling stations has not been reduced.
Alongside managing fuel concerns, the government is continuing broader economic and welfare initiatives.
The adviser said Tk 1,150 crore has been allocated for the agriculture sector, with plans to provide Tk2,000 annually to marginal, small and medium farmers under the Farmers’ Card programme.
He added that the government is advancing multiple initiatives across sectors, but emphasised that energy market stability will largely depend on global developments in the coming weeks.
