A nationwide fuel shortage has raised concerns about an imminent disruption to Bangladesh Railway operations, with current diesel reserves sufficient for only 18 to 22 days of service. The railway requires around 5 million liters of diesel each month but received only about 4 million liters by March 28. Officials warn that if supply interruptions persist, freight train services could halt within 48 hours, severely affecting cargo transport from Chattogram and Mongla ports.

Railway data show that the eastern zone needs 2.2–2.5 million liters and the western zone about 2.5 million liters monthly, with freight trains consuming the largest share. Port officials caution that a rail shutdown would cause container congestion within 24 hours, increase demurrage costs, and potentially reduce international shipping routes. Experts say the railway’s heavy reliance on diesel—costing Tk 6,600–6,900 crore annually—has made the logistics network vulnerable.

Despite being prioritized for fuel supply as a strategic service, railway officials acknowledge uncertainty beyond the current stock period. They warn that any prolonged disruption could escalate into a national economic crisis affecting food, fertilizer, and industrial supply chains.

The United States’ national debt has exceeded $39 trillion just weeks after the start of the war against Iran, according to Treasury data released on March 18, 2026. The Congressional Budget Office reported that the federal budget deficit grew by another $1 trillion in the first five months of the fiscal year, with the government borrowing about $500 billion weekly. Analysts warn that under President Donald Trump’s policies, the debt could reach $64 trillion within a decade.

The debt surge reflects the combined impact of war spending, tax cuts, higher defense budgets, and immigration control costs. Interest payments alone have risen sharply, costing over $43 billion in the first five months. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and other economists have cautioned that the debt trajectory poses long-term risks, while the White House insists deficit reduction measures are beginning to take effect.

Financial institutions such as JPMorgan and experts like Ray Dalio and Janet Yellen have also warned that the growing debt burden could constrain investment, raise borrowing costs, and weaken the government’s ability to manage inflation and unemployment.

The Single Point Mooring (SPM) mega project built off the southwest coast of Maheshkhali Island at a cost of Tk 8,000 crore has yet to become operational. Completed in August 2024 under the previous Awami League government, the project was designed to unload crude oil directly from large tankers via undersea pipelines. However, a lack of storage facilities and complications in appointing an operator have left it idle, turning it into a major burden for the new government. The project was financed through Chinese loans and implemented by Eastern Refinery PLC with construction by China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Limited.

Officials and experts cited the project as an example of poor planning and politically motivated decision-making during the previous administration. They said the SPM was approved in 2015 without adequate feasibility studies and now faces controversy over tendering for maintenance contracts. Allegations have surfaced that former government-linked officials attempted to influence the process. The current government has pledged to review the project’s viability and investigate any irregularities.

Energy experts warned that without the launch of Eastern Refinery’s second unit, the SPM will remain largely underutilized, despite its potential to reduce oil unloading time and costs.

The government of Bangladesh has begun enforcing a new policy requiring all shopping malls and markets across the country, including in Dhaka, to close by 6 p.m. daily. The measure, implemented from Friday, aims to conserve fuel and electricity as part of a broader energy-saving initiative. On the first day of enforcement, major shopping centers such as Bashundhara City, New Market, Mirpur, and Jamuna Future Park shut their doors promptly at 6 p.m., bringing evening commercial activity to a halt.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from the public and business owners. Many shoppers were unaware of the new rule and expressed frustration after being denied entry in the evening, while small and medium traders said their peak sales hours begin after sunset. Social media discussions reflected both criticism and support, with some urging flexibility on weekends and others praising the move as a responsible step toward reducing energy consumption.

Concerns were also raised about reduced evening foot traffic potentially affecting urban safety. Observers noted that the long-term impact on electricity savings and daily life remains to be seen.

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.

A mild to moderate heatwave is sweeping across 27 districts of Bangladesh, including Khulna and Rajshahi divisions, causing severe discomfort in Dhaka and other regions. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that the heatwave, which expanded from 17 districts the previous day, is expected to persist until Sunday. On Friday, Chuadanga recorded the highest temperature at 39.7°C, while Dhaka reached 36.4°C. The department warned that temperatures could rise further by 1–2°C nationwide over the next two days.

Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque stated that although the heatwave’s extent has increased, it is likely to be less intense than in 2023 and 2024 due to intermittent rainfall. In those years, heatwaves lasted 22 and 26 consecutive days respectively. Doctors have reported a rise in heat-related illnesses, particularly among children, and advised caution during the humid spell.

Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir forecasted possible relief starting Monday, with scattered rain, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms expected for three to four days across parts of the country.

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.