A severe fuel supply disruption has gripped Bangladesh, with long queues forming at petrol stations in the capital Dhaka and across the country.
Many motorists have been waiting for hours only to leave empty-handed, as pumps struggle with limited or, in some cases, completely halted supplies.
At several key locations in the capital, frustrated drivers described the situation as unprecedented for urban life. With uncertainty mounting and wait times stretching into hours, tempers have flared, leading in some instances to minor clashes and vandalism.
Industry analysts say the crisis is not primarily driven by a shortage of imported fuel, but rather by weak planning, poor coordination and longstanding policy shortcomings, compounded by panic buying. They warn that public hardship could intensify if supply is not stabilised swiftly.
Petrol station operators attribute the disruption to irregular deliveries from fuel depots. Many stations have been forced to shut temporarily due to a lack of supply, displaying signs such as “No Octane” or “Closed”. Some outlets reportedly ran out of fuel as early as Tuesday night.
On Wednesday, visits to areas including Kalshi, Bijoy Sarani and Asad Gate revealed extensive queues of private cars and motorcycles stretching well beyond station premises. Some drivers said they had been waiting since early morning without success, while others continued to queue amid uncertainty.
Motorists also voiced frustration over what they see as a disconnect between official assurances of adequate reserves and the reality on the ground. One private car driver said he had visited three different stations without finding fuel, while a motorcyclist reported waiting for more than two hours without being served.
To prevent unrest, authorities have deployed police and military personnel at several petrol stations. At one station in Kalshi, a “Closed” notice was displayed, yet long lines of vehicles continued to wait in anticipation of incoming supply, with queues reportedly stretching as far as ECB Square.
A senior official at a filling station in the capital said security forces were deployed as customers, unable to obtain fuel, were becoming increasingly agitated and unwilling to accept the shortage.
However, officials at Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) insisted that the country holds sufficient fuel stocks. An official from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division told Just Energy News that authorities are preparing to launch a public awareness campaign, urging citizens to avoid panic buying and assuring that supplies remain adequate.
With depot deliveries still inconsistent, operators warn the situation could deteriorate further unless supply chains are restored promptly.