Move comes after Bashundhara’s proposal to bring in up to 33.5 lakh tonnes a yr; minister says it aims to introduce competition; BPC has ‘reservations’

Bangladesh’s petroleum import bill soared 52 percent year on year in the July-February period of the current fiscal year, even before the war in the Middle East broke out, raising fears of a heavier eco-nomic impact ahead.

Petroleum imports continue to be the major source of revenue for Custom House, Chattogram thanks to higher tariffs.