Govt drafting policy on increased role of private sector in fuels sector

LNG

Dhaka, Aug 8 — The government has taken an initiative to formulate a draft policy on the import, storage, transportation, distribution and marketing of refined fuel oil by the private sector to ensure uninterrupted and secure fuel supplies in the country.

The Energy Division said the proposed “Policy on Import, Storage, Transportation, Distribution and Marketing of Refined Fuel by the Private Sector, 2026” aims to strengthen the country’s energy security and maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply system.

The policy also seeks to establish a transparent and competitive system under which the infrastructure and investment capacity of the private sector could be utilised in the national interest, particularly during emergencies or crises, alongside the existing government mechanisms.

The Energy Division said the draft policy would be finalised after taking opinions and recommendations from all stakeholders concerned.

It said any decision to formulate such a policy would be considered only if it ensures public interest, energy security, a competitive market, transparency and accountability.

“Therefore, there is no scope under this policy to provide any special benefit to any particular individual, organisation or group,” the Energy Division said in a statement on Saturday.

The clarification came amid reports and discussions on some media outlets and social media platforms regarding the proposed policy.

The Energy Division said some speculative and inaccurate information had recently been published about the proposed policy, describing such reports as undesirable.

It urged all concerned to act responsibly while reporting or commenting on the proposed policy.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday demanded immediate suspension of all moves to hand over the import, storage and marketing of refined petroleum products to the private sector, calling the government initiative a “new licence for looting.”

Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar made the demand in a written statement at a press briefing on the government’s initiative to formulate a new fuel policy at the party’s central office in Moghbazar in the afternoon.

He alleged that the government was not speaking publicly about the issue and that the process was being carried out “through conspiracies, behind documents and behind closed doors.”

Referring to a proposed policy to hand over the import, storage, transportation, distribution and marketing of refined petroleum products to private operators, he warned that the decision would ultimately impose a heavy cost on every citizen, including through bus fares, diesel prices at irrigation pumps and the price of rice.

“We want to say clearly: this is not reform; it is a transfer. This is not competition, it is a licence for corruption and looting,” he said.

He said the proposed move would not break a monopoly but would instead result in a one-sided transfer of control. - UNB