Strict vigilance needed against fertilizer-diesel manipulation

The suffering of the common people has increased due to the war in the Middle East. There is no clear direction as to where and how this crisis will end.

In such a situation, some unscrupulous people are manipulating the market and exacerbating the crisis, which is not desirable in any way.

It is alleged that when farmers in various districts go to designated dealers for fertilizer and diesel, they are not being given citing supply shortages. But they are still available at higher prices outside.

According to the Tanor Upazila Agricultural Extension Department of Rajshahi, the government has fixed the prices of MOP at Tk 1,000, DAP at Tk 1,050 and TSP at Tk 1,350 in the open market.

But the reality is that dealers are selling these fertilizers at almost double the price.

The situation is similar not only in Tanor Upazila but also in other upazilas of Rajshahi.

In Rajshahi, there are now various crops and vegetables including jute, corn, potol, chilli, and lentil in the field, but the farmers are struggling due to the shortage of fertilizer and diesel.

However, the government has been proactive in dealing with the fuel crisis since the beginning.

Although the fuel prices were not increased initially, they increased the price of oil last week.

The government is assuring that there is sufficient fuel stock and there is nothing to worry about. But the situation on the ground is different.

Reportedly, electricity production has been reduced by half due to the fuel crisis. Load shedding is going on at an unbearable level across the country.

Meanwhile, a ten-member special committee has been formed in the National Parliament last week (Wednesday) to control the situation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman proposed forming the committee with five members from the government and five from the opposition, and it was accepted.

The government is also planning to allocate Tk 2,251 crore to the Energy and Mineral Resources Department to implement the Annual Development Program (ADP) for the next fiscal year, although the department had requested an allocation of around Tk 3,768 crore.

The government must take necessary steps to control the situation. It must ensure the import of energy from alternative sources.

At the same time, it also must easy availability of fertilizer for farmers. Strict surveillance is required to ensure that no evil forces can be active at this time.

For Bangladesh, ensuring fertilizer security is not merely an economic concern; it is a matter of food security.

Preparing for future uncertainty today will determine how resilient the country remains tomorrow.