Civil society urges vigilance to prevent any artificial fuel shortage

Bangladesh Shadharon Nagorik Shamaj, a civil society platform, on Saturday called on all stakeholders not to create any artificial fuel shortage in the country by exploiting the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

In a statement, the organisation’s convener, Mohiuddin Ahmed, urged people not to spread panic among the public over uncertainties in global fuel supply stemming from the Middle East conflict.

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

At the same time, it noted that instability in fuel supply management could also result from some misguided or unplanned decisions by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and Petrobangla. However, citing various sources, the statement said the country currently has sufficient fuel reserves.

The organisation therefore urged all concerned to refrain from spreading rumours or creating unnecessary panic that could alarm 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 platform further urged all stakeholders to act responsibly to safeguard the country’s energy security and protect public interests.