Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman has directed the home minister to take tougher action to stop fuel hoarding, artificial shortages and cross-border smuggling, even as the government says Bangladesh currently has sufficient petroleum stocks.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam briefed reporters on Saturday after a meeting of the ruling party’s parliamentary committee at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, outlining the prime minister’s instructions and the government’s plan to keep fuel prices stable.

Nurul Islam said global oil prices have risen amid the war situation in the Middle East, but the government is trying to contain domestic prices by providing about 2 billion taka in subsidies each month.

He alleged that some groups are attempting to create an artificial crisis and that there have been complaints of fuel being smuggled through border areas.

In response, he said, the prime minister instructed the home minister to conduct combing operations and take strict measures.

He added that Bangladesh is not facing a fuel shortage at present, noting that a vessel carrying 200,000 metric tons of fuel has already arrived at port and another 200,000 metric tons is on the way.

The chief whip said the prime minister also instructed members of parliament to remain vigilant in their constituencies and work in coordination with district and local administrations to prevent unnecessary stockpiling and to ensure prices do not rise in any area.

He said the energy minister is expected to deliver a detailed statement on the issue under Rule 300 in Sunday’s parliamentary session.

Nurul Islam said the meeting began with condolences and prayers following the death of the speaker’s spouse, and members also discussed recent bus and train accidents.

He said concerned ministers briefed the committee on why the incidents occurred and what steps are being taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.

He also said the prime minister has introduced a new practice of requiring ministers to regularly brief MPs with detailed information so they can take area-based measures, and that such briefings will be held monthly.

Asked about the formation of parliamentary standing committees, the chief whip said no detailed discussion was held on Saturday but a decision could come at Sunday’s meeting.

He added that work is underway to submit reports by March 30 on reserved seats for women and other pending bills.