Commerce, Textiles, Jute and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has urged citizens to use energy efficiently for the sake of the country. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with local business representatives at his Sylhet residence on Friday, April 3, he said there was no reason to panic about energy supply. The minister emphasized that saving energy would reduce import costs and help preserve foreign currency reserves.

Muktadir explained that the government was adjusting office hours in response to the global energy crisis and encouraged collective caution to maintain normalcy. He noted that conserving electricity during peak hours could prevent unnecessary expenses. The minister also mentioned that LPG prices had risen due to higher import costs from Saudi Arabia and other sources, though fuel prices would remain stable as long as the economy stayed steady.

He added that industrial production would not be disrupted since gas supply to factories was being ensured. Muktadir further said an economic partnership agreement with Japan had been signed and would be formalized after parliamentary approval, with additional free trade agreements under preparation.

Bangladesh’s Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government is considering an increase in fuel prices to manage rising costs in the global energy market. Speaking to reporters on Friday at the Korean EPZ in Karnaphuli, Chattogram, he noted that maintaining the supply chain requires purchasing fuel at high prices, which is straining public finances. Although no immediate price hike has been decided, he indicated that a decision could come soon.

The minister emphasized that ensuring energy security remains the government’s top priority, warning that disruptions could halt agricultural and industrial production. To ease fiscal pressure, the government has adopted strict austerity measures, including a 30 percent fuel rationing for ministers and officials. He added that high import costs are affecting all sectors, including development programs and budget commitments.

Chowdhury also mentioned that the ongoing war situation poses challenges for maintaining supply chains of fuel, food, and other essentials. He urged public cooperation to overcome the crisis and expressed optimism about the recovery of the capital market.

The Bangladesh government has temporarily suspended interest-free car loans for officials as part of a broader initiative to reduce fuel consumption and administrative expenses. The decision was announced following the fourth cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Cabinet Division conference room in the National Parliament Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. According to an official press release, the prime minister, ministers, and state ministers will also reduce their monthly fuel allocations for official vehicles by 30 percent.

The statement further detailed that all foreign training funded by the government will be halted until further notice, while domestic training expenses must be reduced by 50 percent. Additionally, hospitality costs for meetings and seminars are to be cut by 50 percent, conference expenses by 20 percent, and travel costs by 30 percent. These measures are aimed at curbing operational expenditures across government departments.

Under the existing 2020 policy, eligible officials such as deputy secretaries and above could previously access up to 3 million taka in interest-free loans to purchase vehicles, along with monthly allowances for maintenance and drivers. The suspension will remain in effect until new directives are issued.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has reported that global food prices have begun to rise due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. According to FAO’s monthly Food Price Index, which tracks international food commodity prices, global food costs increased by 2.4 percent between February and March. This marks the second consecutive month of price growth.

FAO attributed the increase mainly to the Middle East conflict, which has driven up fuel prices and, in turn, raised production and transportation costs for food products. The organization noted that continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s key oil supply routes, could further worsen conditions for food-importing nations.

The report suggests that if tensions persist, the global food market may face additional pressure in the coming months, particularly affecting countries dependent on imports for essential commodities.

Pakistan has announced that all public transport in the capital, Islamabad, will be free for the next 30 days as the country faces a severe fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing war in Iran. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday, April 3, that the decision was made under the direction of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and will take effect from Saturday, April 4. The Interior Ministry will allocate 350 million rupees to fund the initiative.

The government of Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous and economically significant province, has also introduced a similar free transport scheme to ease citizens’ financial burdens. The fuel shortage has intensified as oil prices have surged sharply, with diesel rising by about 55 percent to 520 rupees per liter and petrol by 42 percent to 458 rupees. The price hikes have directly affected the transport sector and the cost of essential goods.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also confirmed that two Pakistani ships successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and that 20 more are preparing to sail under the national flag.

Bangladesh and Japan have completed a second round of high-level discussions on the operation and maintenance of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The meeting, held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on Japan’s revised proposal covering key issues such as embarkation fees, upfront payments, and revenue sharing. The session signaled renewed momentum toward finalizing a long-delayed agreement.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanom Rita, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, and other senior officials attended the meeting. The Japanese delegation was led by Rieko Nakayama, Vice President of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Afroza Khanom emphasized that Bangladesh’s goal is to protect national interests while expediting the terminal’s launch. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat urged Japan to reconsider Bangladesh’s proposals and submit a further revised version.

The meeting followed an earlier round held on March 13 and reflected both sides’ intent to operationalize the nearly completed terminal through continued high-level engagement.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said the government is actively working to ensure uninterrupted diesel and electricity supply for farmers cultivating jute, rice, and maize. He made the remarks on Friday, April 3, during a meeting with journalists at the Water Development Board rest house in Faridpur. The minister also stated that there is no fuel shortage in the country.

He explained that despite global oil price increases caused by the ongoing war and global conditions, the government is maintaining a stable domestic supply. He accused some dishonest traders of creating an artificial crisis to exploit the public and instructed local administrations to strengthen monitoring. On river erosion in Faridpur, he said the government will undertake stronger and more sustainable projects to protect people’s property.

Farhad Hossain further announced a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in the Water Development Board, promising transparency in tender processes, canal excavation, and all development activities. Several local officials and members of parliament attended the event.

Saudi Arabia is moving forward with major infrastructure projects in Makkah to make travel for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims more convenient. According to Gulf News, Saleh Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, confirmed that a new world-class airport and a modern metro system are being planned. The feasibility study for the airport has been completed, and strategic, economic, and investment aspects have been approved. Work is underway to develop an investment model in partnership with the private sector.

Al-Rasheed said the airport will be designed to benefit both residents and visitors without affecting the economic viability of nearby airports. The long-awaited metro project has also progressed, with feasibility and preliminary designs submitted for approval. Once operational, the metro is expected to reduce congestion and improve mobility during Hajj and Umrah.

The initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, aimed at modernizing Makkah and improving pilgrim services through enhanced transport and infrastructure.

A severe diesel shortage has hit Babuganj upazila and nearby areas of Barishal during the peak Boro season, leaving thousands of farmers unable to operate irrigation pumps. As a result, many paddy fields are drying up and cracking, raising fears of a major production setback. Farmers in Rakudia village reported that their pumps have stopped due to lack of fuel, and they are struggling to collect small amounts of diesel for short-term use.

Local fuel traders and pump owners said supply from depots has fallen sharply, making it impossible to meet demand. Farmers, many of whom cultivated their land on credit, now face potential financial losses. At Kamini Filling Station, officials said farmers wait in long lines but receive only limited fuel each day. The local administration has intensified market monitoring to prevent hoarding and overpricing, while the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) has introduced written permits to help farmers access fuel.

Officials warned that unless diesel supply normalizes soon, irrigation disruptions could affect the entire Barishal region’s Boro production targets.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam stated that there is no oil crisis in Bangladesh and that the import and supply systems are functioning normally. He made the remarks on Friday morning while visiting Mahmudul Hasan Chand Bazar in Tangail and speaking to journalists.

The minister added that the government has adopted a three-month plan along with new measures to conserve energy. These include closing markets by 6 p.m. and reducing expenses of ministers and secretaries by 30 percent. He also commented that despite years of development rhetoric, visible progress has been limited, which has become evident through field-level work.

Mir Shahe Alam further mentioned that discussions have been held with the district local government department to improve roads and markets in Tangail’s Park Bazar area, and that urgent development work will begin soon.

A severe shortage of petrol and octane has disrupted fuel supply across Bangladesh, with long queues forming at filling stations in Dhaka and other regions. Many pumps have limited sales, allowing only small purchases per vehicle, while some stations remain closed due to depleted stocks. Despite the crisis, Bangladesh produces a significant portion of its petrol and octane domestically from condensate extracted at gas fields, particularly in Sylhet and Habiganj.

Officials and experts attribute the shortage mainly to panic buying and hoarding triggered by fears over global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The government maintains that the country has sufficient reserves and continues to import additional fuel to stabilize supply. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said measures such as QR code systems for motorbikes, fuel cards, and alternating supply days have been introduced to curb misuse and ensure fair distribution.

Analysts warn that while domestic production can meet part of the demand, reduced condensate output and rising global prices may pose future challenges for diesel, crude oil, and LNG imports.

A vessel named MT Yuan Jing He carrying 27,300 tons of diesel arrived and anchored at Chattogram Port on Friday, April 3, 2026. The ship, which came from Singapore, was berthed at the port’s Dolphin Jetty at noon. Officials from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed the arrival and inspection of the vessel at 2 p.m. The ship is the ninth diesel carrier to reach Chattogram since the onset of the Middle East conflict.

According to BPC sources, the arrival is part of ongoing efforts to maintain stable fuel supplies in Bangladesh despite regional instability. Two additional large vessels carrying LPG and LNG were also anchored at the outer mooring of the port, expected to further ease the country’s energy supply system. BPC stated that alongside existing pipeline reserves, imports from alternative sources outside the Middle East have been strengthened to prevent shortages.

The corporation noted that fuel tankers have been arriving at Chattogram Port in succession in recent days as the government seeks to stabilize supply through diversified import channels.

The government of Pakistan has increased petrol prices by 43 percent and high-speed diesel prices by 55 percent, citing rising global oil costs caused by the ongoing war in Iran. The announcement was made on April 3, 2026. The country’s energy minister stated that government resources are limited and that the conflict shows no sign of ending soon.

Pakistan relies heavily on imported oil, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The government recently reported securing safe passage for some Pakistan-flagged vessels through the strait, which Iran has effectively closed. This marks the second fuel price hike since the start of the Iran war.

Compared to pre-war levels, petrol prices in Pakistan are now 77 percent higher and diesel prices 87 percent higher. The government said certain users will continue to receive subsidies.

City Bank PLC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating climate finance in Bangladesh. The agreement, signed at City Bank’s headquarters in Dhaka by Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller, focuses on advancing the country’s emerging green and thematic bond market.

Under the partnership, UNDP will provide technical assistance to City Bank for issuing green bonds. City Bank stated that it is preparing to issue its first green bond, viewing the collaboration as a step toward expanding sustainable finance and strengthening Bangladesh’s green bond ecosystem. UNDP emphasized that unlocking new sources of climate finance is vital for the country’s sustainable development.

The partnership is expected to set standards for future thematic bond issuances and encourage greater private sector participation in sustainable finance. City Bank reaffirmed its commitment to advancing environmental, social, and governance practices and supporting Bangladesh’s climate priorities through a more sustainable financial ecosystem.

The White House has announced a 100% tariff on imported patented foreign medicines, marking a major shift in U.S. trade and health policy. Exporting companies can avoid the high tariff by signing agreements with the U.S. government. The move, formally declared on Thursday, fulfills President Donald Trump’s long-standing warning to impose tariffs on imported drugs. Officials said the policy aims to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce national security risks.

Analysts noted that the immediate impact may be limited since the measure excludes generic drugs, which dominate U.S. consumption. Several major pharmaceutical firms have already signed agreements exempting them from the tariff, and more are expected to follow. Companies pledging to begin U.S. production by January 2029 will face a reduced 20% tariff, while those agreeing to government pricing terms could see tariffs fully lifted.

The White House stated that the policy has already prompted about $400 billion in pledged investments. However, experts warned that smaller firms may face higher costs, and the long-term effects remain uncertain after Trump’s term ends in January 2029.