Petrol pump owners in Bangladesh have warned they may suspend operations nationwide if the government fails to ensure security at filling stations and improve fuel supply amid growing unrest following the introduction of fuel rationing.
The warning came on Wednesday at an emergency press conference held at a hotel on Siddheswari Circular Road in the capital, where Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association President Mohammad Nazmul Haque presented an eight-point list of demands.
The association said the government’s recent decision to introduce rationing of fuel sales—citing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and instability in the global supply chain—has created confusion among the public.
According to the pump owners, authorities have simultaneously claimed that the country has sufficient fuel reserves while also instructing stations to limit sales. They say this “contradictory message” has triggered panic among motorists, resulting in long queues, disorder and even violent incidents at fuel stations.
Nazmul Haque said pump owners are complying with government directives on rationing, but the situation on the ground has become increasingly difficult to manage.
“Rumours circulating on social media that fuel is running out have caused people to rush to stations,” he said. “Many motorists are trying to fill their tanks completely, which risks disrupting the normal supply system.”
Safety concerns after attacks
The association also reported rising tensions at petrol pumps across several regions where reduced supply has led to disputes. It claimed that in some areas staff members have been attacked, citing a recent incident in Sunamganj where a pump worker was allegedly stabbed.
Owners say that although authorities instructed suppliers to provide 10% less fuel compared with 2025 sales levels, in reality many pumps are receiving even smaller deliveries. At the same time, they estimate that the number of vehicles and fuel demand has increased by around 30%, worsening shortages.
Objections over ride-share fuel rule
The association criticised a government directive allowing ride-share motorcycles to receive up to five litres of octane after verifying specific documentation.
Pump owners argued that checking paperwork at the station would slow service and could trigger disputes with other customers waiting in line.
Complaints about mobile courts
Owners also expressed frustration over the use of mobile courts during monitoring drives, saying raids conducted with police or law-enforcement personnel publicly humiliate pump operators.
They argued that any irregularities could instead be detected by verifying supply records, underground tank levels and dispenser meter readings.
Pressure from agriculture and generators
The association said a lack of clear guidelines for fuel supply to irrigation pumps in rural areas and generators in urban high-rise buildings is placing additional pressure on filling stations.
Some farmers, they claimed, are already struggling to obtain diesel for irrigation.
Eight-point demand
To address the situation, the association submitted an eight-point demand to the government including deploy police and military personnel at all filling stations to ensure security.
it also demanded removal any restrictions or categories in fuel supply for motorcycles
Nazmul Haque warned that if these demands are not addressed promptly, pump owners may be forced to halt operations.
“If pump owners cannot operate safely, we will have no option but to close stations,” he said, adding that any resulting disruption would be the government’s responsibility.