Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku on Saturday assured that there is no shortage of fuel oil in Bangladesh and no immediate risk of a supply crisis.

“There is no reason to assume that Bangladesh is already facing a fuel crisis due to the war in the Middle East. Nothing has happened yet that should cause concern over fuel supply. The country currently has sufficient fuel oil stocks,” the minister said while responding to questions from reporters after leaving the Prime Minister’s Office.

Tuku said two additional fuel-carrying vessels are scheduled to arrive at Chattogram port on March 9, which will further ease concerns over a potential shortage.

Urging the public to avoid panic buying, the minister said there is no justification for people to queue at petrol pumps throughout the night to purchase fuel.

“From Sunday, mobile courts will monitor petrol pumps to ensure that no one is illegally hoarding fuel oil,” he said.

Explaining the decision to introduce fuel sales under a rationing system, Tuku said the duration of the ongoing Middle East conflict remains uncertain.

“As a precautionary measure and to encourage efficient use, fuel will be sold under a rationing system starting Sunday,” he added.

The minister also urged people to purchase only the amount of fuel they actually need instead of buying excessively.

According to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the import of 280,000 tonnes of diesel has already been finalised, with a large portion expected to arrive within March, ensuring that there is no immediate risk of a fuel shortage in the country.