STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The additional import cost of fuel and liquefied natural gas due to the US-Israel war on Iran would require Tk 31,000 crore in subsidies between March and June, said Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku yesterday.

The minister said diesel is currently being sold at Tk 100 per litre, while the actual cost was Tk 189 per litre between March 1 and 29. Octane is being sold at Tk 120 per litre, whereas the actual cost was Tk 150.72.

“The government is shouldering a significant subsidy in public interest,” he said in parliament yesterday.

He said subsidy requirements for diesel between March and June could be Tk 15,409 crore, while octane Tk 636 crore. Besides, Petrobangla may need Tk 15,077 crore in LNG subsidies in the April–June quarter.

The minister said the government has kept domestic fuel prices stable despite the challenges, unlike many countries that have adjusted prices multiple times.

He urged the people to avoid unnecessary purchases, prevent waste,

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