Govt intensifies diplomacy to secure fuel supply: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today said Bangladesh is intensifying diplomatic efforts to diversify fuel sources and boost reserves, assuring there is no actual energy shortage despite attempts to create an artificial crisis through hoarding. "There is no fuel crisis at this moment. We have sufficient reserves, and efforts are underway to further strengthen our stock," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The state minister said the government is actively engaging with multiple countries to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply as imports from some sources have been disrupted due to the ongoing global situation. "We are working to bring fuel from alternative sources. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing full cooperation to the Energy Ministry in this regard," she said, adding that Bangladesh is exploring imports from some countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States and Russia.

She said several fuel consignments are expected to arrive in April from Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia and Indonesia, noting that discussions and agreements, including existing memorandums of understanding, are facilitating the process. Referring to reports of fuel shortages, Shama Obaed said the situation is being misrepresented due to hoarding by a section of dishonest people, creating artificial pressure in the market.

"Some are trying to create an artificial crisis by stockpiling fuel. This must be addressed strictly," she said. On fuel imports from Russia, the state minister said the issue of sanctions requires procedural considerations, including engagement with the United States, adding that relevant ministries are in discussions to resolve such matters.

Highlighting long-term planning, she said the government is working to diversify energy sourcing to avoid future economic pressure under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Responding to a question on visa issues with India, she said the Indian government has assured that visa processes will be normalized.

"For trade, business, medical treatment and people-to-people connectivity, visa procedures should be simplified. India has indicated a return to normalcy, and we are hopeful," she added. On migration through Libya, the state minister stressed the need to curb human trafficking, saying legal migration will continue but traffickers exploiting vulnerable people must be brought to justice. "People can go abroad legally, but those involved in human trafficking are putting lives at risk for profit. We must act firmly against them," she said, urging stronger coordination among countries to prevent such crimes.