Motorists face long waits as post-Eid fuel crunch persists nationwide

Government officials has maintained that the shortage is driven by consumer “panic buying” rather than any actual depletion of reserves

A post-Eid fuel crunch has gripped Bangladesh, with many filling stations running dry and motorists queuing for hours to buy octane and petrol.

Despite government claims of steady supply, long lines of motorcycles and private cars were seen at the few operational stations on Tuesday, while others displayed “no stock” signs.

The situation has sparked a blame game between state-run oil marketing companies and petrol pump owners, each offering conflicting explanations for the disruption.

Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association alleges that depots are rationing fuel due to the global "war situation", a claim the government denies.

Abu Tayyab Patwary, general secretary of the association's Chattogram Division, told bdnews24.com that supply has actually decreased compared with last year.

"In March 2025, we received 10 percent more fuel than we are getting now. The number of vehicles on the road increases every year, yet the supply is shrinking," he said.

Patwary also noted that the inability to process “pay orders” during the two-day Eid bank holiday prevented owners from clearing fuel shipments.

"Unlike previous years, the rationing meant we couldn't stockpile extra fuel before the holidays," he added.

State-owned marketing giants, Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna, insist their 54 depots nationwide have sufficient reserves.

Officials argue that the visible shortage is a result of "panic buying" by consumers rather than a lack of stock.

"There is no shortage in our depots," said Shahirul Hassan, managing director of Meghna Petroleum Limited.

"While daily figures fluctuate, the average supply remains consistent."

Mafizur Rahman, managing director of Padma Oil, echoed this sentiment, dismissing allegations of rationing.

He said supply levels are being maintained based on March 2025 benchmarks.

A Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that vehicle owners are hoarding fuel due to war-related anxieties.

"Drivers are buying significantly more than their daily requirement, creating an artificial crisis at the pump level," the BPC official said.