The Philippines is considering suspending domestic and international air services due to a severe shortage of jet fuel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Bloomberg on Monday that the ongoing Iran-United States-Israel war has disrupted global energy supplies, leaving the country struggling to secure aviation fuel. He said that suppliers who previously sold jet fuel to the Philippines have stopped doing so, forcing airlines to rely on limited domestic reserves.

Marcos warned that these reserves will not last long if the war continues and fuel supply chains remain blocked. He indicated that without a quick resolution to the conflict or restoration of normal supply from seller countries, the government may soon have to cancel both domestic and long-haul international flights. The fuel crisis has already prompted the Philippines to declare a national energy emergency.

The situation highlights the broader global impact of the conflict on energy-dependent sectors, particularly aviation, as countries face mounting pressure to manage dwindling fuel resources.

A severe shortage of octane has been reported at four filling stations in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura, leaving motorcyclists and other drivers struggling to refuel. On Tuesday afternoon, long queues were seen at filling stations in Santahar municipality, where octane supply had completely stopped. Although diesel and petrol supplies remained normal, the lack of octane forced many drivers to use petrol instead, raising concerns about potential engine damage.

According to filling station operators, the affected stations include Joy Filling Station in Murail, Asha Filling Station on East Dhaka Road, Anika Filling Station in the municipal area, and Hamim Filling Station at the bypass intersection. They said the demand for octane surged ahead of the upcoming Eid, quickly depleting reserves. The shortage has worsened due to insufficient supply from depots.

To manage the situation, stations have imposed limits on petrol sales, allowing a maximum of Tk 200 for motorcycles and Tk 500 for private cars. Operators warned that if octane supply is not restored soon, the situation could deteriorate further.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has issued a notification increasing the price of jet fuel used in domestic and international flights by about Tk 90 per liter. The new rate will take effect from midnight, according to the circular released on Tuesday. The Aviation Operators Association of Bangladesh (AOAB) has termed the hike unjustified and urged the government to reconsider the decision.

In a press statement, AOAB said the sudden and large increase in Jet A-1 fuel prices does not reflect current market realities. The association noted that there is no fuel shortage in the country, as 25 oil tankers arrived in the past 22 days with fuel purchased at previously set prices. It also pointed out that global oil prices have recently declined, making such a sharp increase unreasonable.

AOAB warned that the new price could severely strain airlines financially, raise domestic airfares, and threaten the sustainability of the aviation sector. The group cautioned that continued pressure might even force suspension of domestic flight operations if the situation persists.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government has initiated discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure additional funds for energy imports affected by the Iran war. He made the remarks after meeting Krishna Srinivasan, IMF’s Asia and Pacific Director, at the Secretariat. Further detailed discussions are expected to take place in Washington.

The minister stated that the Iran war has negatively impacted Bangladesh’s economy, prompting the government to adopt cost-cutting and reform measures. He clarified that the IMF’s sixth and seventh tranches, totaling 1.86 billion dollars, will not be released before the next budget, with a review scheduled for July. The government aims to implement the BNP’s election manifesto to overcome economic challenges and is taking steps to simplify business processes and reduce expenses.

Chowdhury added that timely measures have prevented fuel shortages from affecting Eid transport and commodity prices. He urged citizens to remain prudent and compassionate during the ongoing crisis.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, stated on Tuesday that the country has sufficient fuel reserves and there is no shortage. However, he noted that an unusual surge in fuel purchases has created temporary pressure at filling stations, leading to an artificial sense of scarcity. The minister made these remarks during a briefing at the Secretariat, where State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit was also present.

He explained that people are buying more fuel than they need, causing pumps to run out of stock earlier than expected. This behavior, he said, is generating unnecessary public anxiety. The minister urged citizens to use fuel and electricity more efficiently and to avoid excessive purchases, assuring that supply will remain normal if consumption stays within reasonable limits.

He further emphasized that the government has not raised fuel prices and that the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission determines pricing. Despite global market influences, he reiterated that there is no real shortage and that recent disruptions are driven by consumer behavior rather than supply issues.

Large numbers of visitors are continuing to crowd various tourist spots in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram even after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays ended on March 23. Families and travelers from across the country are visiting the area’s hills, waterfalls, lakes, and coastal sites to enjoy its natural beauty. Popular destinations such as Mahamaya Ecopark, Khaiyachhara Waterfall, Napittachhara Trail, Sonapahar Project, Arshi Nagar Future Park, Muhuri Irrigation Project, and Domkhali Beach are witnessing heavy daily attendance.

Local authorities and site managers have strengthened safety, cleanliness, and visitor management measures. Operators of major attractions reported that visitor numbers remain high, with guides and precautionary systems in place at key sites like Khaiyachhara. The upazila administration is maintaining regular monitoring to prevent disorder or accidents.

According to local business owners, the sustained tourist presence has boosted hotel, restaurant, and transport activity. Officials believe that with proper planning and management, Mirsarai could further establish itself as one of Bangladesh’s leading tourism destinations.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced on Tuesday that jet fuel prices for both domestic and international routes have been increased by nearly 90 taka per liter. According to the official notification, the new rates will take effect from midnight. The domestic jet fuel price has been raised from 112.41 taka to 202.29 taka per liter, marking an increase of 89.88 taka or about 80 percent. For international flights, the price has been adjusted from 0.7384 to 1.3216 US dollars per liter, a rise of approximately 79 percent.

BERC officials stated that the adjustment was made to align with current market conditions, import costs, and international fuel prices. The new rates will remain in effect until further notice.

The decision reflects the regulator’s response to global energy market fluctuations and rising import expenses, which have influenced domestic fuel pricing structures.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that agriculture will be the main driving force of Bangladesh’s economy. He made the remarks on Tuesday at the Agriculture Ministry’s conference room during a post-Eid greeting event with officials and employees of the Agriculture and Food Ministries. The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan, Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul E. Mohamed, and Food Secretary Md. Firoz Sarkar.

The minister said Bangladesh’s geography and environment are highly suitable for agriculture and that scientific farming methods could produce more food than the country’s demand. He emphasized that most people depend on agriculture and that the rural economy is rooted in it. The government has launched programs such as distributing farmer cards and canal excavation to strengthen the sector and is implementing a coordinated plan to make agriculture the core of the economy.

He added that food security will be a major challenge in the future and urged officials to work sincerely to meet nutritional needs and ensure a better country for future generations. Nazrul Islam Khan called for honesty and dedication in advancing agriculture and announced a nationwide tree-planting initiative to combat climate impacts.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has informed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Bangladesh will face increased spending on fuel imports due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He made the statement on Tuesday, March 24, after a meeting with an IMF delegation at the Secretariat. The delegation, led by Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, also met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier in the day.

The minister said discussions with the IMF included whether the government would bear the additional fuel costs, adding that further talks would take place during the upcoming Spring Meetings in Washington. He noted that the IMF had raised issues related to the war context, challenges in the banking and stock market sectors, and tax-to-GDP matters. Chowdhury emphasized that despite the war and fuel crisis, transportation and commodity prices remained stable during Ramadan and Eid due to timely government decisions.

He added that the IMF loan review is scheduled for July, with preliminary discussions to be held in April in Washington. The minister said Bangladesh is negotiating IMF conditions gradually, aligning them with the country’s current economic realities.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed that Bangladeshi students seeking higher education abroad receive loans of up to Tk 1 million as support for bank guarantees or solvency certificates. The announcement was made by State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur after a meeting with the Prime Minister on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the foreign secretary and advisers to the Prime Minister.

According to Nurul Haque Nur, the Prime Minister instructed that the Expatriates’ Welfare Bank be dedicated to providing these loans through the ministry. The meeting also discussed accelerating an existing memorandum of understanding to send 100,000 workers to Japan and expanding employment opportunities in Europe and other countries. Additionally, the Prime Minister directed the foreign ministry to encourage European nations to establish consular services in Bangladesh to ease visa processing.

The State Minister added that the Prime Minister emphasized better communication of government activities through social and mainstream media to highlight positive initiatives to the public.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, said a sudden surge in oil demand has caused a temporary shortage in the country. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday morning, the first working day after the Eid holidays, he assured that there is adequate oil stock nationwide.

The minister urged citizens not to purchase oil beyond their immediate needs, emphasizing that supply will remain stable if people avoid unnecessary hoarding. He also noted that the Energy Regulatory Commission is responsible for reviewing fuel prices, but the government has not yet increased oil prices.

According to the minister, there is no reason for public concern as everyone will receive oil as needed, and the government is monitoring the situation to maintain regular supply.

IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The meeting took place in the morning, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was also present during the meeting. The discussion was described as a courtesy meeting, and no further details about the agenda or outcomes were provided in the official communication.

The visit highlights ongoing engagement between Bangladesh and the International Monetary Fund, though the source did not specify any particular policy discussions or agreements resulting from the meeting.

Global oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel again as uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict intensifies. After a sharp decline on Monday, Brent crude rebounded in Asian trading on Tuesday, climbing 3.75 percent to $103.69 per barrel. At the same time, Nymex Light Sweet crude increased 3.42 percent to $91.55 per barrel, according to a BBC report.

The price rebound followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that planned attacks on Iran would be postponed for five days, which he described as a positive step toward dialogue. That statement had initially caused oil prices to drop by more than 10 percent. However, Tehran later stated that no talks had taken place with the United States, leaving the market uncertain and pushing prices upward again.

Analysts suggest that continued geopolitical tension and mixed signals from both sides are keeping the oil market volatile, with traders closely watching developments in the Iran situation.

After a continuous seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous offices, along with banks, insurance companies, and the stock market, reopened across Bangladesh on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The last working day before the holiday was March 16, and the official break began on March 17.

Following the end of the Eid vacation, government and related institutions resumed their regular 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Banks reopened for transactions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with official operations continuing until 6 p.m. The stock market also resumed trading from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while office activities there run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The reopening marks a return to normal economic and administrative operations after the extended national holiday period.

Government offices across Bangladesh reopened at 9 a.m. on Tuesday following the end of the official Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. Courts, banks, insurance companies, and the stock market resumed normal operations from 10 a.m. Bangladesh Bank confirmed that banking activities have returned to their regular schedule, with transactions now running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After the extended Eid break, normal activities are expected to restore vibrancy to urban life. Large numbers of workers have already returned to Dhaka from their home districts, resulting in heavy crowds at train, bus, and launch terminals.

Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated nationwide on March 21 with religious solemnity. The government had declared a seven-day public holiday from March 17 to 23 for the occasion.