Fuel stocks ‘sufficient’, panic buying blamed for pump queues

The government has assured that Bangladesh has adequate fuel reserves, attributing the long queues at filling stations to panic buying rather than any actual shortage.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said on Tuesday that there is no fuel crisis in the country and no immediate plan to raise fuel prices.

Speaking to reporters at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the minister urged motorists not to purchase more fuel than necessary, warning that excessive buying is putting pressure on distribution at the retail level.
“There is no shortage of fuel in the country,” he said. “However, people are buying more than they need, causing pumps to run out of stock earlier than usual.”

He added that the government has neither reduced supply nor increased prices, and therefore there is no justification for long queues at filling stations. According to the minister, fuel supply this year is about 25% higher than last year.

The minister explained that supply disruptions during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays contributed to the temporary strain, as fuel depots remained closed on public holidays. However, operations have since resumed, and supply is expected to normalise.

He also called on the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying. “If people refrain from stockpiling, everyone will be able to get fuel as per their needs. There is no reason to panic,” he said.

Sufficient reserves and steady imports

Officials from Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation confirmed that the country currently holds around 1.36 lakh metric tonnes of refined fuel, along with approximately 1 lakh tonnes of crude oil stored at the Eastern Refinery in Chattogram.

According to estimates, the existing stock is sufficient to meet 20 to 22 days of normal demand even without fresh imports. Authorities also noted that new fuel shipments are arriving regularly, ensuring continuity in supply.

The government has further stated that it is prepared to secure fuel from multiple global sources- including North America and Africa- to maintain an uninterrupted energy supply.

Market pressure and localised shortages

Despite official assurances, motorists in several parts of the country have continued to experience difficulties in accessing fuel, with long queues and limited sales reported at many filling stations in Dhaka.

In Chattogram, an acute shortage of octane has led to widespread disruption, with many pumps displaying “No Octane” signs or supplying fuel in restricted quantities. Drivers, particularly those involved in ride-sharing services, reported long waiting times and reduced earnings during the busy Eid period.

Pump operators attributed the situation to irregular or insufficient supply from depots, while also acknowledging that unusually high demand has worsened the situation.

Warning from pump owners

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned that, if the current situation persists, filling stations across the country could face operational disruptions.

In a statement on Sunday, the association said that the volume of fuel supplied by oil companies is not sufficient to meet the current surge in demand, leading to customer frustration and operational strain at the pump level.

They also highlighted the growing pressure on workers, who are struggling to manage long queues and heightened tensions among customers.

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Tech solution launched

Amid the situation, a “Live Fuel Monitoring System” has been launched in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, allowing users to check real-time fuel availability at nearby stations via smartphone.

Developed by a local entrepreneur, the platform aims to reduce unnecessary waiting, improve transparency and help better manage fuel distribution.

Local officials said such digital initiatives could play a key role in easing public hardship and modernising service delivery in the energy sector.