The country has sufficient stock of fuel right now and there is nothing to worry about at this point, says Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Chairman ABM Azad on Wednesday.
“If imports were stopped today, the stock diesel (4,31,000 MT) will be able to meet demands of the whole country for 32 days. Besides, the current stock of petrol (21,883 MT) is for 15 days, octane (12,238 MT) for 9 days, furnace oil (85,041 MT) for 32 days, and jet fuel (62,891 MT) for 44 days,” the BPC chairman said while addressing a press conference at BPC's Dhaka Liaison office.
“This does not mean that BPC will stop importing fuel from tomorrow. Import, storage and supply is a cyclical process. Within couple of days, 50,000 tonnes of refined fuel oil will arrive at Patenga port. The latest import of fuel will cover the country's diesel, octane and petrol demand for 28 days. It's an ongoing process,” he said.
The BPC chief said that some people are spreading rumors about possible fuel crisis without knowing the actual scenario.
His remark comes after a media report which mentioned that the fuel stock going to end soon in the country.
“As per agreements between BPC and other companies, supply of fuel oil remains normal as of now. The government is trying to slash the use of fuel oil by 20 percent to 30 percent in the country. BPC is working on it,” he said.
At the same time, the BPC Chairman also said that 100 percent petrol is produced in the country. It has nothing to do with stocking.
He said the government has fixed an import plan for the next six months. There's no problem with this cycle.
Regarding social media posts on the scarcity of fuel stock and limited fuel offered to vehicles by some petrol pumps, he asked people not to pay attention to rumors.
“The government has not taken any decision to provide less fuel to vehicles from petrol pumps. Supply of petrol to different petrol pumps remain normal and stable. Legal action will be taken against those who are doing this on their own initiative,” he said.
