Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation revises fuel rationing to stabilise supply

The statement says filling stations in divisional cities will now receive 15 percent less octane and petrol compared to average sales

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has reduced the rate of supply cuts on octane and petrol in divisional cities from 25 percent to 15 percent.

The state-run corporation announced the decision in a press release on Wednesday, saying the earlier directive had been revised to maintain normal fuel supply amid the global crisis.

The statement, signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana, said filling stations in divisional cities will now receive 15 percent less octane and petrol compared to average sales. Previously, the supply reduction was set at 25 percent.

Under the revised decision, fuel will be distributed according to a filling station-based allocation chart. Depot superintendents, sales officers, dealers and agents of BPC’s marketing companies have been instructed to take necessary steps to implement the directive.

In a separate notification, BPC said arrangements have been made to ensure fuel oil supply to registered direct customers of its marketing companies, and deliveries are continuing accordingly.

The corporation said fuel consignments are arriving regularly under the import schedule. At the same time, fuel oil is being transported from the central establishment to depots across the country by rail wagons and tankers.

Concerns over fuel availability had intensified following the war situation in the Middle East, prompting long queues at petrol pumps in various cities in recent days.

Media reports said many motorcyclists and private vehicle owners rushed to buy more fuel than required.

In response, BPC introduced sales limits for different categories of vehicles in early March.

Under the restrictions, motorcycles were allowed a maximum of 2 litres of octane or petrol per day, private cars 10 litres, and SUVs, jeeps and microbuses between 20 and 25 litres.

Diesel limits were set at 70 to 80 litres for diesel-powered pickups and local buses, and 200 to 220 litres for long-distance buses, trucks, covered vans and container vehicles.

BPC also formed “Monitoring and Control Cells” at central and regional levels to oversee fuel distribution and sales. The corporation said the cells are regularly tracking storage, supply and sales data at oil depots.

Despite ongoing concerns over fuel supply amid global instability, the government has said it is closely monitoring import and storage conditions. Bangladesh is also seeking to secure additional diesel supplies from India and China to ease pressure on the domestic fuel market.