Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has requested increased police patrols at petrol stations after reports of panic buying and rising tensions linked to concerns over fuel supplies.
The state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (Bangladesh) to strengthen security around filling stations across the country, according to a letter sent to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Saturday.
In the letter, BPC chairman Md Rezanur Rahman said negative reports circulating in traditional and social media about fuel stock levels had prompted many consumers to buy more fuel than usual.
The surge in demand has also led petrol station dealers to seek larger supplies from fuel depots than normal, the corporation said.
Authorities said they have also received reports that some consumers are purchasing fuel in excess of their immediate needs and attempting to store it without authorisation.
To address the situation, BPC recently issued a notice limiting the amount of fuel that can be sold to consumers at filling stations.
The corporation added that the increased demand has already led to several incidents at petrol stations, including disputes between customers and station staff, with tensions and disorder reported in some areas.
As a result, officials say stronger security measures are needed to maintain order and ensure safe fuel distribution. BPC has therefore urged the government to arrange regular police patrols at filling stations nationwide.
Energy sector analysts say uncertainty in global markets has fuelled public anxiety about supply stability, prompting some motorists to stock up on fuel. The resulting surge in demand has put pressure on distribution networks and increased crowds at petrol stations, prompting authorities to step up administrative oversight and security.