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Govt moves to reduce BPC monopoly in fuel market

Published : Sunday, 6 September, 2026 at 9:23 PM

Salahuddin

Symbolic Photo

The government is moving to open Bangladesh’s petroleum market to private-sector participation, allowing companies to import, store, distribute and market petroleum products alongside the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies, particularly during periods of energy crisis, while introducing greater competition into the market.

Under the proposed framework, private companies could initially be allowed to handle up to 30 percent of the petroleum business. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has assigned BPC the task of preparing a policy covering the import, storage, transportation, distribution and retail marketing of refined petroleum products. The initiative would mark a significant shift from the existing system, under which BPC plays the central role in importing and distributing fuel through its state-owned marketing companies.

The government believes greater private-sector participation could help expand fuel storage capacity and make better use of existing private infrastructure and investment. However, the proposal has also faced opposition within BPC. An 11-member committee warned that direct private imports could create risks including fuel hoarding, artificial shortages, price volatility and quality-control problems.

The Energy Division has said the proposed policy is not intended to provide special benefits to any particular company or business group. It said the policy would be finalised only after consultation with stakeholders and if public interest, energy security, competition, transparency and accountability can be ensured.

Energy experts have also stressed the need for strong regulation if private companies are allowed into the market. The debate comes after Bashundhara Oil and Gas Company applied for permission to independently import and market refined petroleum products.

-HIS

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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