The government will take tougher measures against fuel hoarding and smuggling, as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (28 March) directed the authorities to act against those creating an artificial oil crisis in the country.
He gave the directives while chairing a meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party at the Ruling Party’s Meeting Room in the Parliament Secretariat in the afternoon, a day before the first session of the 13th parliament resumes after a 14-day recess.
Tarique asked members of parliament (MPs) to remain vigilant against the artificial fuel crisis and price hikes, said Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni while speaking to reporters after the meeting.
“Our leader has directed the MPs to stay alert everywhere so that fuel prices do not rise, and the government, in coordination with the district administration and other field-level authorities, can take action wherever necessary,” he said.
The prime minister also instructed the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resource Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to deliver a speech under Section 300 of the Rules of Procedure in the House tomorrow (29 March), sending a strong message against fuel hoarding.
The chief whip said the government provides a Tk200 crore subsidy every month to keep fuel prices under control.
“The government is trying to stabilise oil prices by subsidising about Tk200 crore each month, but some unscrupulous syndicates are attempting to create an artificial crisis,” he added.
Noting that fuel is smuggled from the country due to higher prices in a neighbouring country, the chief whip informed that the prime minister has asked the home minister to take strict action against fuel smuggling.
“Operations will also be conducted simultaneously against those who hoard fuel or attempt to create an artificial crisis,” Nurul Islam said, citing the PM’s directives.
The House will also be informed that there is an adequate fuel supply in the country, as ships carrying some 200,000 metric tonnes of oil have already arrived at the port, while another 200,000 metric tonnes are expected soon.
“So, there is no crisis in fuel supply,” he said, adding that the artificial crisis was created due to media reports, additional fuel purchases by the public, and fuel smuggling.
The chief whip said the meeting also discussed the causes of the Daulatdia ferry accident and recent railway accidents.
“Discussions were held on why such accidents occur and what steps have been taken to prevent them in the future,” he added.
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