Govt denies fuel crisis, price hike plan

Saifur blames media for price increase rumour; energy adviser says situation to improve within 72 hours

BANGLADESH – Amid rumour of a potential fuel price hike leading to hoarding of fuels by unscrupulous traders, especially in the northern districts, the government yesterday denied any shortage of fuel in the country and said it has no plan to increase the prices soon.

Finance Minister M Saifur Rahman at a meeting in Moulvibazar yesterday denied ever saying that the fuel prices would be increased. “We are not increasing the oil prices at this moment,” he said.
Labelling the media report as “misreport” and “media havoc”, he said there is no crisis of fuel in the country, reports our correspondent in the district.

Energy Adviser Mahmudur Rahman also told the press that the ministry has neither sent any proposal to the prime minister requesting to increase the fuel prices nor does it have any plan to propose the government to do so soon.

He told reporters that the situation will improve within 48-72 hours.

The Daily Star (Bangladesh)