Due to the impact of ongoing conflicts, the world is now plunged into a deep energy crisis. Geopolitical instability and the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel have severely disrupted global energy supply chains, pushing the availability of oil and gas in many countries into serious uncertainty.
In particular, import-dependent energy economies like Bangladesh are already facing a grave situation, with long queues of vehicles forming at fuel stations.
In such circumstances, some opportunists have taken advantage of the chaos—illegally hoarding fuel and selling it on the black market at inflated prices. There have even been multiple clashes and casualties over fuel trading, which is truly unfortunate and undesirable.
The Government of Bangladesh has taken several initiatives, including introducing rationing systems, appointing tag officers at fuel stations, and launching ‘fuel cards.’ These measures are undoubtedly commendable; however, a question remains—if the war or crisis becomes prolonged, will administrative monitoring alone be sufficient?
It has been observed that whenever global fuel shortages intensify—such as when the Strait of Hormuz becomes blocked due to conflict involving Iran—panic spreads among the public, leading to widespread illegal hoarding of fuel. Unscrupulous profiteers begin selling fuel at double or triple the official price on the open market.
Every day, thousands of liters of illegally stored fuel are being recovered or seized from various locations. On the other hand, ordinary consumers are also contributing to the problem. Many motorbike riders, for example, purchase fuel from multiple stations and store it at home. Could this behavior be the reason why fuel demand in the country has surged overnight, making the situation even more fragile?
In this context, one is reminded of the period during the COVID-19 pandemic. What did we witness then? Many people began stockpiling food and essential goods beyond their needs, which created nationwide shortages.
A similar trend is now visible with fuel. In that sense, it would not be an exaggeration to call the current energy crisis partly an “artificial crisis,” because available data suggests that the existing supply should not have caused such a severe shortage.
So, what should be done? First, strict enforcement of laws against illegal hoarding and black marketing is essential. Mere drives or raids are not enough; exemplary punishment must be ensured to send a strong message.
Second, a nationwide awareness movement on energy conservation is crucial. People should avoid unnecessary electricity usage, office hours may be adjusted, and greater use of public transportation should be encouraged. Developed countries are already emphasizing “energy efficiency,” which is something we should also learn from.
Third, it is time to focus more on renewable energy. Alternative sources such as solar power, wind energy, and biogas can help reduce pressure on traditional fuels. Many countries are already moving toward renewable energy, and we should follow suit. Fourth, diversifying sources of energy imports is also important.
Rather than depending on a single source, many countries are building alternative supply chains, which helps them better cope with crises.
Above all, this crisis cannot be tackled by the government alone—it is a collective challenge. Only through the combined efforts of responsible citizens, ethical business practices, and strict administration can the situation be brought under control. It must be remembered that the current energy crisis serves as a warning for the world.
Therefore, addressing it requires forward-looking planning, effective implementation, and, above all, national unity. For the sake of the national economy and overall development, stopping individual-level hoarding, ensuring strict monitoring, and taking timely and effective measures are the keys to overcoming this crisis.