Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has instructed its marketing companies to keep their main fuel depots and establishments open even on weekends and public holidays in a bid to maintain uninterrupted fuel supply across the country.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the state-owned corporation said the decision was taken to stabilise the supply system amid rising demand for fuel oil in different parts of Bangladesh.
Under the new arrangement, fuel depots and main installations will remain open every Friday and Saturday until further notice, allowing the continuous distribution of petroleum products to filling stations and other users.
BPC said the measure was taken following instructions from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure the country’s fuel supply chain remains stable.
According to the corporation, fuel imports are continuing regularly as scheduled. Imported oil is being transported from main installations to depots across the country through railway wagons and tankers before being distributed to filling stations and other destinations.
BPC officials said keeping depots open during holidays would accelerate fuel transportation and distribution, reduce pressure on filling stations and help maintain a stable supply system nationwide.
Public concern over fuel availability recently increased after tensions in the Middle East raised fears of possible disruptions in global energy markets. The situation led to longer queues at filling stations in several areas and a noticeable rise in fuel sales compared with normal periods.
To manage the surge in demand, BPC earlier introduced temporary limits on fuel sales at filling stations, setting daily purchase caps for motorcycles, private cars and public transport vehicles.
BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana said the depots would remain open on Fridays and Saturdays until further notice to ensure that fuel supply remains smooth.
The companies operating under BPC include Eastern Refinery Limited, Padma Oil Company Limited, Meghna Petroleum Limited, Jamuna Oil Company Limited, Eastern Lubricants Blenders PLC, LP Gas Limited, Standard Asiatic Oil Company Limited and Petroleum Transmission Company PLC.