A sharp surge in fuel demand following the Eid holidays has disrupted supply across Bangladesh, with petrol stations running out of daily stocks within just a few hours, according to Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, the first working day after Eid, the minister said fuel pumps that previously held enough stock for an entire day are now exhausting supplies within three hours due to a sudden spike in demand.
“Demand has risen so sharply that the usual supply cycle has broken down,” he said, adding that the daily volume of fuel supply remains unchanged but the number of consumers has increased significantly.
The surge in demand, partly linked to concerns over the ongoing conflict involving Iran, has led to long queues at petrol stations across the capital. Many motorists have been forced to wait for hours, with some returning without fuel. In several areas, including Paribagh and Asad Gate, queues stretched for long distances as supply struggled to keep pace.
Fuel station operators said deliveries from depots are not matching the increased demand, while panic buying by consumers has further widened the gap between supply and availability.
The government had earlier introduced rationing of petrol, octane, and diesel on March 6 to manage the crisis, but later lifted the restrictions ahead of Eid to facilitate travel and agricultural needs.
Explaining the earlier decision, the minister said fuel that once lasted throughout the day is now being sold out rapidly due to persistent queues, while delays in tanker deliveries from depots have created temporary shortages, especially in the morning.
Despite the situation, the minister urged the public to remain calm and purchase only the fuel they need. He assured that the government is monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to stabilize supply.
He also called for cooperation from vehicle owners, noting that the current situation is driven more by increased demand than by a reduction in overall fuel supply.
