Octane returns to Chattogram stations, diesel still in short supply

The BPC has increased daily allocations by 20 percent for octane and 10 percent for diesel and petrol

At filling stations across Chattogram, queues for octane have begun to thin following a recent price adjustment, but for diesel users the wait continues -- often ending in frustration rather than fuel.

A visit to several filling stations on Tuesday showed a clear split at the pumps: private car and motorcycle owners were able to refuel octane with relative ease, while diesel users were met with empty nozzles, long delays or “out of stock” notices.

To stabilise supply, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has increased daily allocations from Monday -- by 20 percent for octane and 10 percent for diesel and petrol.

The revised national distribution now stands at 13,048 tonnes of diesel, 1,422 tonnes of octane and 1,547 tonnes of petrol per day.

Officials said average demand this April is slightly lower than last year.

Daily diesel sales currently stand at 11,107 tonnes, down from 11,862 tonnes a year earlier, while octane consumption has eased marginally to 1,129 tonnes from 1,185 tonnes.

Despite this, supply pressures persist at depot level.

At QC Petrol Pump in Gani Bakery, one of the busiest stations in the city, staff said octane availability had normalised but diesel remained constrained.

“We have enough octane now, but diesel supply from depots is still below demand,” said Harun, an employee.

The station received 27,000 litres of octane on Tuesday, compared with only 9,000 litres of diesel.

At Faiz Ahmed and Sons in Prabartak Mor, customers alleged uneven distribution, with some being turned away while others filled containers.

Manager Gias Uddin denied bias, saying limited supply forced rationing.

“We received only 4,500 litres of diesel. We are prioritising token holders, but can meet only half their demand,” he said.

Several pumps have temporarily suspended diesel sales, tightening supply for transport operators.

At Prabartak Mor, driver Asadul Islam said around 120 autorickshaws on the Sholashahar–Chawkbazar route depend on a single station.

“They are not giving us fuel today. Without diesel, we cannot run our vehicles,” he said.