PM orders strict action to stop fuel hoarding

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Home Minister to take strict measures to prevent artificial fuel shortages and smuggling, while instructing lawmakers to remain vigilant in their constituencies.

Nurul Islam, chief whip of parliament, told reporters on Saturday after a ruling party Parliamentary Committee meeting at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban that the directives aim to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.

He said, “Although global oil prices have risen due to the Middle East conflict, the government is making every effort to control prices domestically. Around Tk200 crore in subsidies is allocated monthly to maintain fuel prices. However, some unscrupulous groups are attempting to create artificial shortages, and cases of cross-border fuel smuggling have also been reported.”

To curb such activities, the Prime Minister has instructed the Home Minister to launch targeted operations and take strict measures, he added.

The chief whip further said, “The Prime Minister asked the lawmakers to coordinate with district and local administrations to ensure no excessive hoarding occurs and prices remain stable. The Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister will present a detailed statement on the matter in parliament on Sunday under Rule 300.”

He added that, for the first time, the Prime Minister has required ministers to brief MPs in detail to enable constituency-specific measures, and such monthly briefings will now become standard.

Regarding the formation of parliamentary standing committees, Nurul Islam said, “Detailed discussion is expected in tomorrow’s session. Work is also underway to submit reports on reserved women’s seats and other bills by 30 March.”