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ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh has sought Pakistan’s assistance for evolving strategy to deal with the situation arising out of fuel crisis in the wake of eight months old conflict in the Middle East and blockade of Strait of Hormuz.
Well-placed sources told The News/Jang here on Monday that Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir raised this matter during his meeting here with Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) Ali Pervez Malik, Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and some other top officials to discuss economic reforms, debt management, trade, and industrial cooperation. The sources recalled that Bangladesh was among the countries that had to face acute shortage of fuel as petrol pumps witnessed long queues early this year after Israel and United States attacked Iran resulting in the blockade of supply of energy products. Pakistan was among few countries where no shortage of fuel was experienced and consumers enjoyed the supply unhindered. During the meeting, Titumir appreciated Pakistan government for its strategy to deal with the cumbersome situation. The sources revealed that Bangladesh PM’s adviser not only sought Pakistan’s guidance in the matter but also asked for assistance in the uncertain situation prevailing in the region. Interestingly, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has raised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices by
Tk223 per 12kg cylinder, setting the new price at Tk2,060 on Monday amid an ongoing supply shortage. The price was previously Tk1,837. It is much higher price what is prevalent in Pakistan. The price of autogas has also increased from Tk84. 62 to Tk91. 95 per litre. The revised prices took effect at 8:00pm on Monday, BERC said. Prices have been raised across all cylinder sizes, ranging from 5kg to 45kg. The BERC last raised the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk252 on October 4, from Tk1,585 to Tk1,837. The latest hike comes just a month later, amid ongoing supply shortages and complaints of higher market prices. It has been officially stated that the host Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, underscored the importance of strengthening economic engagement and institutional cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Aurangzeb expressed appreciation for the opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual economic interest and shared development priorities. He shared Pakistan’s experience in pursuing macroeconomic stabilisation and implementing structural reforms aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, improving economic fundamentals, and creating a conducive environment for private sector investment. He highlighted the importance of prudent debt management, financial sector development, and sustained reform efforts in supporting long-term economic growth. The finance minister welcomed the proposal for closer institutional engagement, particularly in the areas of public financial management and debt management, and expressed Pakistan’s willingness to share its experiences and facilitate technical-level exchanges between the relevant institutions of the two countries.
