Mohammad Suman

Fuel supply shortfall shows little sign of easing, as global uncertainty, disruptions during the extended Eid holidays and weekend, and high domestic demand continue to pressure the energy chain.

The country’s fuel supply chain is under strain as sharp post-Eid surge in demand collides with import uncertainty tied to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Retailers say; wholesalers blame supply constraints

The government has managed to curb the drain on national fuel stocks by imposing restrictions on purchases for 10 days straight, bringing daily demand back to near last year’s levels.

Chattogram supply smooth after fresh deliveries

Bangladesh imports crude and refined fuel oil from a range of countries, including in the Middle East, to meet its annual demand of roughly 70 lakh tonnes

Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are two key sources

The government is scrambling to secure alternative fuel sources amid the US-Israel war on Iran, as the lion’s share of Bangladesh’s fuel imports originates from the Middle East.

The prices of loose soybean oil and palm oil have risen in the local market despite assurances of sufficient stock and adequate supply, heaving financial pressure on consumers.

Many filling stations across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, ran dry yesterday as panic buying continued for a second day amid fears of supply disruption due to the war in the Middle East.

Energy minister assures people of adequate stock, supply

Filling stations across the country, including in Dhaka and Chattogram, were overcrowded on the weekend as panic buying continued amid fears of supply disruptions due to the war in the Middle East.

Authorities have shut five of the country’s six urea fertiliser factories as a precaution amid fears of gas supply disruptions caused by the widening war in the Middle East and Iran’s closure of the Hormuz Strait, a key global energy route.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has ordered income tax officials to use import data directly when calculating tax liabilities, a move aimed at curbing evasion and easing the refund burden on businesses.

4 BCIC managed plants and Kafco halt production

While a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt fuel flows, Bangladesh’s energy supply remains stable for now, with officials saying imports and distribution are continuing without interruption.

Stricter banking rules following the political changeover limit major importers, opening opportunities for smaller firms to expand quickly

With Ramadan at the doorstep, price movements in the essential commodities market present a mixed picture. Analysis of import data and market visits suggests that while overall import volumes of major Ramadan essentials are higher than last year, temporary logistical constraints have influenced price trends in certain wholesale hubs.

Bangladesh has agreed to eliminate customs duties, supplementary duties, and regulatory duties on approximately 4,500 products from the United States as part of the newly signed reciprocal trade agreement, marking one of the most significant tariff reduction measures in recent years.

Ahead of the 13th national election scheduled for February 12, voters in the Chattogram-6 (Raozan) constituency say they are gripped by a deep sense of unease over security concerns.