Fuel supply normal, no need to panic: admin urges amid rumour

Long queues of hundreds of motorcycles, private cars and other vehicles have been seen at various petrol pumps in Satkhira, triggered by rumours of a fuel shortage circulating on social media. The rush of drivers created temporary traffic congestion on several key roads in the city on Thursday morning, July 23.

The district administration said there is no fuel shortage in the district. After contacting Meghna, Padma and Jamuna Petroleum Corporation and the Khulna main depot, it has been confirmed that oil stocks and supply remain completely normal.

Visiting various petrol pumps in the city, drivers were seen waiting in long lines for fuel. At some pumps, queues of vehicles extended several hundred metres. Pump authorities said the situation arose due to a sudden surge of drivers arriving to fill up at the same time after the rumour spread.

Rafiqul Islam, a salesperson at one pump, said there are adequate stocks of petrol, octane and diesel. However, after the rumour spread on Facebook, a large number of vehicles arrived at the same time, creating long queues.

Motorcyclist Arif Hossain said he came to fill his tank after seeing news of a fuel shortage on social media. Later, upon arriving at the pump, he learned there was no shortage.

To counter the rumour, the district information office began announcing through loudspeakers in various areas of the city on Thursday afternoon, urging the public not to panic.

District Administrator Kausar Aziz said the fuel supply and stock remain normal. He urged the public not to heed rumours, not to stockpile fuel beyond necessity, and to verify any information from official or trusted sources.