Chattogram filling stations shut down as motorists double, triple fuel purchases

Despite a government rationing order, the rush at filling stations remains unabated

Panic buying triggered by the Middle East escalation has left some filling stations in Chattogram dry, as motorists scramble to secure fuel despite government reassurances of adequate stocks.

While the government recently introduced rationing to manage supplies, it has struggled to contain the surge in demand.

On Saturday, long queues of vehicles were seen at the stations still operating, while others shut down after running out of stock.

A bdnews24.com spot check of filling stations in Gani Bakery, Muradpur, and Lalkhan Bazar on Saturday found long queues and shuttered pumps.

The Apollo-11 station at Love Lane was found closed, with staff stating their entire reserve had been exhausted.

"We sold everything we had. Since there is no oil left, the owner had to close the pump," an employee said on condition of anonymity.

Stations at Wasa and Panchlaish also suspended operations, claiming customers had been buying double or triple their usual amount over the last few days.

A worker at the Panchlaish pump added that they were failing to get sufficient supplies from the depots to restart sales.

At the QC Filling Station in Gani Bakery, the queue of motorcycles and cars spilt out onto the main road, causing significant traffic congestion.

Despite following government-mandated rationing, the pressure was immense, the pump operators said.

"I visited several stations and found them closed," said Siraj Uddin, a motorcyclist waiting in line.

"Even here, I have to wait over an hour just to get two litres. It is a massive waste of working hours."

Filling station owners believe the crisis is artificial, driven by public anxiety rather than an actual shortage in the national grid. There are 196 filling stations across the Chattogram division.

Abu Tayyab Patwari, Chattogram division convenor of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealer’s, Distributor’s Agents, and Petrol Pump Owners’ Association, told bdnews24.com that people began stocking fuel before the rationing order came.

"The government says there is no shortage, but people are buying out of fear," Patwari said.

"Those who needed 10 litres bought 20 litres; bikers who usually take five litres doubled their purchase. This sudden spike emptied the tanks at many pumps."