Petrol pumps may shut in Bangladesh amid supply crunch

Petrol pump owners in Bangladesh have warned that filling stations across the country may shut down at any time due to an acute fuel shortage, raising concerns among commuters during the ongoing Eid holiday period. The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association, in a statement issued on Sunday night, described the situation as “extremely dire”, saying the daily fuel supply from oil companies is far below demand. As a result, long queues have formed at the few operational stations, while many pumps in Dhaka and other areas have remained closed. 
Despite the lifting of earlier rationing measures ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the situation has failed to improve, with queues stretching for kilometres in some parts of the capital Dhaka. In several instances, police and army personnel were deployed to maintain order at overcrowded stations. Industry leaders said the crisis has been exacerbated by the closure of many pumps and supply disruptions linked to the extended holiday and banking shutdown, which has limited the ability of operators to procure fuel.
Citing recent incidents, the association said that despite having around 10,500 litres of petrol and an equal amount of octane at one pump ahead of Eid, and about 8,000 litres at another, the stock was depleted within a short period due to excessive pressure and chaotic situations. Describing the situation as a form of “looting,” the association claimed that some individuals are purchasing fuel multiple times a day and reselling it at higher prices.
The fuel crunch comes amid broader concerns over global supply disruptions tied to tensions in West Asia, which have triggered panic buying in recent weeks. The association also alleged that organised groups have been forcibly opening pumps at night and taking fuel. Referring to an incident in Thakurgaon, it said miscreants armed with sticks looted fuel during supply operations. However, the shortage is mainly affecting petrol and octane, while diesel remains available at pumps across the country.