Parliamentary panel wants stocks for 90 days
A special parliamentary committee has recommended expanding Bangladesh’s strategic fuel reserves to maintain a minimum three-month storage capacity and diversify import sources as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s long-term energy security.
The committee has also put forward 12 recommendations aimed at addressing recent challenges in the energy sector and reducing the risk of similar disruptions in the future.Presenting the committee’s report in Parliament on Sunday, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said the recommendations focus on improving supply resilience, enhancing infrastructure and promoting greater use of alternative energy sources.
The report emphasises the introduction of comprehensive digital monitoring across the fuel supply chain, wider adoption of renewable energy and accelerated implementation of key energy infrastructure projects.
Among its recommendations are the rapid completion of the Dhaka-Chattogram pipeline, the Single Point Mooring (SPM) project and the second unit of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL-2).
The committee also stressed the need to expand the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy to reduce dependence on conventional fuel sources.
In addition, the report calls for mandatory rooftop solar installations, subject to regular performance monitoring, and urges the adoption of effective measures to reduce system losses in electricity distribution.
The committee noted that Bangladesh’s fuel supply system has come under pressure from a combination of external and domestic factors.
These include elevated international fuel prices, ongoing conflict in the Middle East, disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, instability in global supply chains, as well as panic buying, illegal stockpiling and black-market activities within the country.
According to the report, these developments have contributed to uncertainty among the transport, agriculture and industrial sectors, while also raising concerns among consumers.
To strengthen energy resilience, the committee recommended the formulation of an integrated power generation strategy drawing on a diversified energy mix, including oil, natural gas, coal, solar and wind resources.
The report further proposed conducting a study to assess whether opportunities could be created for private sector participation in fuel imports alongside Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).
It also called for stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage panic buying and unnecessary stockpiling during periods of market uncertainty.
The committee observed that volatility in global energy markets and prevailing geopolitical developments underscore the need for a more stable, diversified and technology-driven energy policy and supply system.
It said the recent situation presents an important opportunity for Bangladesh to reassess and strengthen its overall energy security framework.
The report incorporates 10 recommendations submitted by opposition members.
The opposition proposed that future power and energy demand assessments be carried out by an independent panel of experts free from political influence, arguing that realistic forecasting is essential to avoid overestimating future demand.
Other recommendations include maximising the utilisation of coal-fired power plants, increasing domestic gas production, expanding onshore and offshore gas exploration, continuing crude oil exploration activities, and expediting the implementation of the SPM and ERL-2 projects.
The opposition also called for a significant expansion of solar power generation, studies into the feasibility of micro-hydropower projects in the hill regions and an assessment of the potential for electricity generation from river flows.
In addition, it proposed reducing the use of government vehicles during periods of energy shortages and undertaking research into emerging energy technologies, including hydrogen fuel, biogas and waste-to-energy systems.
According to the opposition, diversification of the power and energy sector is essential to reduce excessive reliance on any single energy source and enhance national energy security.
The 10-member special committee, comprising members of both the government and opposition, was formed on 26 April to review the country’s energy security situation and recommend measures in the national interest.
