Bangladesh’s fuel reserves remain sufficient, and authorities have confirmed that no shortage is imminent despite the recent surge in consumer demand. At Chittagong Port, one tanker has been unloading over the past two days, while two additional vessels are expected to dock tomorrow, Monday. Fuel imports have been arranged to meet demand through April, and regional tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are not anticipated to affect supply, as Chinese vessels remain exempt from restrictions.
Domestic production covers nearly all petrol for private cars and motorcycles and most of the country’s octane requirements. The Energy Division has finalised the import of 280,000 tonnes of diesel for delivery through April. Officials from the Energy Division and the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) emphasised that the situation is well under control and that panic buying is the main cause of temporary shortages in certain areas.
Public Reaction and Supply Strain
Concerns over the Middle East conflict have led to heightened anxiety among motorists, triggering long queues and stock depletion at petrol stations. On Saturday, many stations in Dhaka closed before noon due to exhaustion of fuel. Queues in some areas, such as near the Talukdar and Meghna pumps, extended over one kilometre, with motorists waiting two to three hours to purchase fuel.
The temporary scarcity was exacerbated by standard operational schedules. Depots generally do not dispatch fuel on Fridays and Saturdays, resulting in reduced availability at filling stations. Some pump owners have criticised BPC for not maintaining limited depot operations on public holidays, which could have eased congestion. Authorities note that artificial shortages were amplified by hoarding for profit, rather than genuine supply issues. For instance, in Singra, Natore, a businessman was fined BDT 5,000 for illegally stockpiling 10,000 litres of diesel underground.
Regional Impact
Queues and rationing were observed across Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Noakhali. Many stations limited sales per vehicle, while a few temporarily suspended service once supplies were exhausted. Motorcycle drivers were particularly affected, with some only able to purchase small amounts of petrol or octane.
Fuel Supply Overview
Officials confirmed that of the 15 fuel shipments scheduled through April, 13 have arrived or are en route, with two deferred to May. Further imports from Malaysia and Indonesia are planned as a precaution. Domestic production of petrol and octane continues to meet most of the nation’s needs, while diesel imports ensure adequate availability.
Fuel Supply Summary
| Fuel Type | Domestic Production | Imported Quantity | Availability Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 100% of demand | N/A | Stable | Produced from domestic condensate |
| Octane | ~80% of demand | Supplemented | Stable | Combination of local production and imported booster |
| Diesel | Limited | 280,000 tonnes | Stable | Imports secured through April |
| Furnace Oil | N/A | N/A | 50 days supply | Ensures power plant operations |
Energy Minister Ikbal Hasan Mahmud and State Minister Anindya Islam Amit reassured the public that fuel reserves are adequate. With two additional tankers arriving tomorrow, supply is expected to normalise, and consumers are urged to avoid panic buying.