No Plans to Raise Fuel Prices; State Minister Urges Public Not to Panic

Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the State Minister addressed the growing public anxiety and the long queues observed at filling stations, attributing them to "panic buying" rather than a genuine scarcity.

The State Minister emphasized that Bangladesh’s fuel security remains stable, with sufficient stocks to meet current demand. He noted that the majority of petrol and octane used for motorcycles and private vehicles is refined locally, significantly reducing the country's dependence on immediate imports for these specific products. Furthermore, he highlighted that the arrival of new fuel shipments at the ports and the steady supply through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline have further fortified the national reserve.

To support the transport sector and prevent artificial shortages, the government has introduced a temporary rationing system for different vehicle types. Additionally, in a move to stabilize the ride-sharing industry, the State Minister announced that ride-sharing drivers will be allocated five liters of fuel per day starting today. The ministry has also deployed mobile courts to monitor petrol pumps across the country, ensuring that no unscrupulous groups can exploit the situation to create an artificial crisis or charge over the regulated prices.