Bangladesh lifts fuel sale restrictions, says supply will meet demand

The decision is made to ensure smooth Eid travel and meet farmers’ fuel needs during the Boro season

The government has lifted all restrictions on fuel sales, including the caps imposed on petrol, octane and diesel amid concerns over supply disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The decision was announced on Sunday by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit at a press conference at the ministry.

He said the move was taken to ensure smooth Eid travel and meet farmers’ fuel needs during the Boro season.

“From the 15th of March until further notice, fuel oil will continue to be distributed according to demand from all distribution points across the country,” the state minister said.

Amit said the conflict in the Middle East had raised concerns over fuel supply by affecting the global supply chain, prompting the government to take several measures, including setting limits on fuel sales.

He added that several fuel-carrying vessels had already arrived at Chattogram port.

Fears of an oil shortage spread in the country after uncertainty emerged in the international fuel market because of the Middle East situation. As many buyers began purchasing more fuel than they needed, the government imposed limits on petrol, octane and diesel sales from Mar 6 to keep supply stable.

Under that directive, motorcycles were allowed to buy up to two litres of fuel a day.

The limit was set at 20 to 25 litres for sports utility vehicles and microbuses, 70 to 80 litres for pickup vans and local buses, and 200 to 220 litres a day for long-distance buses, trucks, covered vans and container trucks.

The cap for ride-sharing motorcycles was later raised from two litres to five litres in response to demand from riders.

With those limits now withdrawn, consumers will again be able to buy fuel according to their needs.