The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has issued a stark warning that all petrol pumps across the country could face closure at any moment due to acute fuel shortages and inadequate security measures. The alert came in a press statement released on Sunday night, 22 March.
The association described the situation as “critical,” noting that the daily fuel supplied by companies is insufficient to meet consumer demand. This has forced motorcyclists and vehicle owners to queue for hours, while petrol pump staff, working long hours without breaks, are suffering severe physical and mental stress. The combination of these factors, the association warns, could result in the immediate closure of petrol stations nationwide.
The organisation has previously highlighted the need for stronger security measures at pumps. However, according to the statement, government and district authorities have largely ignored these warnings, resulting in chaotic scenes during fuel distribution.
Fuel Stocks Under Pressure
The association provided specific examples of the shortage:
| Pump Location | Fuel Stock (Litres) | Observed Issues | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed Pump 1 | 10,500 petrol & octane | Minimal security | Long queues; fuel hoarding |
| Unnamed Pump 2 | 8,000 litres | Security gaps | Repeated purchases by same individuals; resale at higher prices |
| Multiple Pumps | 200 litres reserved for emergency vehicles | No security presence | Emergency needs unmet; fuel forcibly taken |
Despite these stocks being sufficient under normal circumstances for several days, sudden surges in demand and disorder have rapidly depleted supplies. The association likened these incidents to “looting,” emphasising that the chaos prevents genuine customers from accessing fuel.
One recurring problem is individuals returning multiple times a day to purchase fuel, sometimes filling only partially before leaving and returning. Many resell the fuel at inflated prices. Additionally, there have been reports of mobs arriving at pumps late at night, forcibly collecting fuel. A notable incident in Thakurgaon saw all available fuel seized using sticks and force, highlighting the absence of basic security.
The association also warned that the combined effects of fuel scarcity and inadequate security are intensifying the crisis. Tankers transporting fuel from depots face risks of theft on the road. Without urgent security reinforcement, they said, continuing operations may become impossible.
Alarmingly, on the eve of Eid, pumps were unable to reserve even 200 litres of octane for ambulances. Forced fuel collection was reported in multiple locations. The association stressed that unless law enforcement ensures a strong presence at all pumps, suspending fuel collection from depots may be the only viable measure to prevent widespread chaos.
In summary, the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has sounded the alarm: without immediate intervention to secure fuel supply chains and enhance safety measures, the country’s petrol pumps are at imminent risk of closure, which could severely disrupt transportation and daily life nationwide.