Panic buying sparks long fuel queues across country

Fear of fuel shortages due to ongoing Middle East tensions triggered panic buying nationwide, with long queues at filling stations in the capital on Saturday (March 7).

Reports indicate some stations are restricting sales, allowing motorcycles only 200–500 BDT worth of fuel, while others temporarily closed after running out.
Commuters reported waiting for over an hour, sometimes receiving just two liters of fuel.

Driver Md. Rabiul Islam said he had been waiting in line for about an hour, with around 50 vehicles ahead of him. He typically consumes 400–500 taka worth of fuel daily and has lost some fares due to the long wait.

Motorcycle rider Jasim Uddin said he managed to get only two liters of fuel after waiting for nearly an hour.

Petroleum Minister Tuku and State Minister Amit inspected Dhaka fuel stations Friday.
They assuring the public that fuel stocks are sufficient and supply remains normal. They also urged citizens not to panic or hoard fuel unnecessarily.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has imposed daily quotas: 2 liters for motorcycles, 10 liters for private cars, 20–25 liters for jeeps and minibuses, 70–80 liters for pickups and local buses, and 200–220 liters for long-distance buses, trucks, and container trucks. Dealers must provide cash receipts detailing sale times, quantities, and prices, and submit depot stock reports regularly.

BPC data shows diesel sales from March 1–4 reached 95,000 tons, up from 45,000 tons during the same period last year. Petrol and octane sales also rose. Most of the country’s petrol and octane is domestically produced, and experts say the current shortage is largely panic-driven rather than actual supply constraints.

To prevent cross-border fuel smuggling amid rising international oil prices, the Border Guard Bangladesh has intensified patrols at key points, including the Jashore and Habiganj borders, with temporary checkpoints and vehicle inspections.

Energy experts say panic buying, not actual shortages, is straining supply, as people stockpile fuel, creating temporary disruptions and long pump lines.