BPC seeks army deployment at fuel depots, police patrols at filling stations

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has been asked to take necessary steps

A filling station in Dhaka's Shahbagh supplies fuel according to drivers’ demand on Friday, Mar 8, 2026, while many other stations in the capital limited the amount per vehicle. Photo: Abdullah Al Momin

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has proposed deploying the army to secure major fuel depots and requested intensified police patrolling at filling stations to manage the volatile energy situation.

BPC Chairman Md Rezanur Rahman sent two separate letters to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Saturday, outlining the need for urgent security measures at the depots, reminding that they are Key Point Installations (KPIs).

The corporation noted that dealers are reporting difficulties in meeting a sudden surge in demand.

This has led to fears of "untoward incidents" at primary distribution hubs, including the main installations of the distributors in Chattogram’s Patenga, as well as depots in Khulna’s Daulatpur, Sirajganj’s Baghabari, Narayanganj’s Godnail and Fatullah, Dinajpur’s Parbatipur, and Barishal.

In its correspondence, the BPC emphasised that as these depots are critical national infrastructure, immediate military protection is necessary to maintain overall security.

A second letter addressed the growing trend of panic buying among consumers, fuelled by "negative reports" on social media and mainstream news regarding fuel reserves.

This anxiety has prompted customers to seek fuel beyond their immediate needs, while dealers are simultaneously attempting to lift larger volumes from depots.

Although the BPC has already issued a media release limiting the amount of fuel sold to individual vehicles, the restriction has led to friction between consumers and station staff.

To prevent clashes and ensure the safety of retail outlets, the BPC has urged stepping up police presence at all filling stations across the country.