Bangladesh’s Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has confirmed the complete removal of fuel rationing for public and long-distance transport vehicles, marking a significant relief amid persistent national fuel supply pressures. The policy shift aims to stabilise operations for buses, coaches, and other mass transit services, ensuring smoother mobility across urban and intercity networks.
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Fuel Supply Restoration
Speaking on Saturday in Gulistan, Dhaka, the minister stated that from the night of 13 March, all long-distance and public transport vehicles would receive adequate fuel without daily restrictions. Buses and coaches are now expected to operate with uninterrupted supplies, providing commuters with reliable services.
Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasised:
“From tonight, the daily fuel rationing for public transport vehicles is lifted. All buses and intercity services will now receive sufficient fuel to maintain their schedules efficiently.”
Context: Domestic Fuel Challenges
The recent shortages were aggravated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which disrupted global oil flows and affected domestic supply chains.
To manage scarcity, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) imposed rationing measures from 6 March:
Motorcycles: limited to 2 litres of petrol per day
Private cars: limited to 10 litres per day
Subsequent adjustments for urban ride-share motorcycles increased the daily allowance to 5 litres, balancing demand with public mobility needs.
Public Transport Fuel Allocation: Updated Limits
| Vehicle Type | Previous Limit | Current Allocation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus / Coach | Rationed daily | Unrestricted | Full fuel supply restored; ensures uninterrupted operation |
| Long-distance transport | Rationed | Unrestricted | Maintains connectivity across districts |
| Motorcycles (ride-share) | 2–5 litres | Unchanged | Daily limit remains 5 litres for urban services |
| Private cars | 10 litres | Unchanged | Rationing continues for private vehicles |
Expected Impact
The policy change is expected to:
Increase reliability and frequency of buses and coaches.
Reduce commuter delays in both urban and intercity transport.
Allow transport operators to plan schedules without fuel constraints.
Authorities will continue to monitor fuel distribution to ensure equitable allocation across all sectors. While private vehicle rationing remains, the removal of limits for public transport reflects a strategic prioritisation of essential mobility for the population.
This measure also demonstrates the government’s proactive response to global energy instability, mitigating the domestic impact of international supply disruptions and ensuring that citizens who depend on mass transit are not disproportionately affected by fuel shortages.