Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has introduced a daily fuel limit for ride-sharing motorcycles in an effort to maintain stable supplies and prevent panic buying in the market.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said motorcycles used for ride-sharing services will be allowed to purchase a maximum of five litres of octane or petrol per day. The directive will initially apply in metropolitan areas.
BPC said fuel imports are continuing according to schedule and regular shipments are arriving in the country.
Oil is also being transported from key installations to depots nationwide through railway wagons and tanker trucks to maintain normal supply levels.
According to the corporation, the measures were jointly decided by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to ensure adequate supply in line with consumer demand. As part of the decision, motorcycles operating under ride-sharing platforms will be restricted to the five-litre daily purchase limit.
The directive also sets out several compliance requirements for fuel stations. Customers must be issued a purchase receipt stating the type of fuel, quantity and price. When purchasing fuel again, riders must present the original receipt from the previous transaction. In addition, filling stations are required to verify the motorcycle’s registration number and the driver’s identity through ride-sharing applications before supplying fuel.
BPC further warned that buying or selling fuel above the government-set price is a punishable offence.
Fuel prices in Bangladesh are set by the government at the beginning of each month, and the corporation said no decision has yet been taken to increase prices under the current circumstances.
The corporation urged consumers, dealers and other stakeholders to comply with the new instructions in order to ensure the continued stability of the country’s fuel supply.