A civil society platform Bangladesh Shadharon Nagorik Shamaj on Saturday urged all stakeholders not to create any artificial fuel shortage in the country taking advantage of the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.

In a statement, the organisation’s convener Mohiuddin Ahmed called on people not to spread unnecessary panic among the public over the uncertainty surrounding global fuel supply triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

The platform said that a dishonest group of traders might attempt to create an artificial crisis in the domestic market by using the international situation as an excuse.

At the same time, it warned that instability in the fuel supply management could also arise due to some wrong and unplanned decisions by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and Petrobangla.

However, according to various sources, the country currently has adequate fuel reserves, the statement said.

Therefore, the organisation urged all concerned to refrain from spreading rumours or creating unnecessary panic that could trigger fear among the public.

Bangladesh Shadharon Nagorik Shamaj also called on the relevant government agencies to ensure transparency in fuel supply and stock management, strengthen market monitoring, and take strict action against dishonest traders to prevent any artificial crisis.

The organisation urged all stakeholders to act responsibly to safeguard the country’s energy security and protect public interests.