Fuel crisis panic grips Dhaka: Long queues, suffering at pumps

Panic has spread among Dhaka residents fearing a fuel oil crisis in the country due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The impact was visible even on the holiday of Friday, March 6.

From morning, long queues of motorcycles and cars were seen in front of various petrol pumps across the capital. Unable to meet demand, arguments and even altercations occurred among customers at many pumps.

Around 2 pm on Friday, a long line of vehicles formed at a filling station in the Asadgate area to buy fuel. A lengthy queue of motorcycles and private cars was seen stretching from in front of the station onto the road. Heated exchanges among customers were also observed around this slow-moving line.

Pathao rider Iqbal Hossain, waiting in line, expressed his frustration to Views Bangladesh, "I work for a ride-sharing service, so I always take 5 litres of fuel. But since yesterday, even after queuing, I couldn't get 5 litres at two stations. They gave me only 3 litres and said they couldn't give more. Those of us in ride-sharing, how many days can we run on so little fuel?"

Another biker waiting in line, Mokbul Hossain Jibon, said he came to the pump to fill his tank to be safe before any major crisis. He expressed anger over instances of line-breaking. He said, "I don't know if the country has enough fuel reserves, but I came to fill my tank to be safe before any long-term disaster. But many here are breaking the line and going ahead, creating chaos. I've been in line for a long time, and it's moving very slowly. I don't know when I'll get fuel."

The impact has also fallen on ordinary commuters. Around 12 pm, Imtiaz Ahmed, an employee of a pharmaceutical company, expressed frustration, "I regularly commute to my office in Gulshan by bike. Today I have an urgent meeting. But I haven't been able to get a bike even after waiting for half an hour. I'm not getting bikes on ride-sharing apps either. Those standing on the road are also demanding higher fares. We ordinary people are also in trouble."

The same scene was witnessed not only in Asadgate but also at pumps in various areas including Motijheel's Shapla Chattar, Shantinagar and Mirpur. The crisis and panic have not been limited to the capital Dhaka; reports of long vehicle queues for fuel at pumps have come from other regions of the country as well.

Pump authorities said panicked people are buying much more fuel than needed, creating additional pressure.

Although the Energy Division claims reserves are adequate, officials believe public panic is the main reason for this crisis.

Meanwhile, the government has issued new directives for fuel purchase and sale amid the ongoing situation. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) provided details in a press release on Friday, March 6. It stated that from now on, motorcycles can buy a maximum of 2 litres and private cars a maximum of 10 litres of petrol/octane.

The directive issued by the Energy Division included five conditions. The directive stated that when taking fuel from filling stations, consumers must take a purchase receipt mentioning the type, quantity and price of the fuel. When coming for fuel subsequently, the previous purchase receipt must be shown. Dealers will supply fuel to consumers by providing purchase receipts according to allocation and directives. Before supplying fuel to dealers, marketing companies will review stock and sales information based on current allocation, and under no circumstances shall excess fuel beyond allocation be given.

Speaking to journalists after visiting a petrol pump in Paribagh in the capital today, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit said, "A rationing system will be introduced from Sunday to avoid a long-term crisis." The state minister also said the country has adequate fuel reserves and there is no reason for this panic. However, he indicated that prices may be adjusted in the country due to the price hike in the international market.

It is noteworthy that due to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel and the uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, concerns have arisen over fuel oil prices and supply in the global market. As an impact, over the past two days, there has been a massive rush and abnormal pressure of customers buying fuel at various petrol pumps across Bangladesh.