Fuel rationing withdrawn, consumers can now refuel as needed
According to the ministry, all fuel distribution points across the country will now continue supplying according to demand from 15 March until further notice
The government has withdrawn the fuel rationing order for petrol, octane, and diesel effective today (15 March), following the arrival of several imported oil tankers at Chattogram Port.
The decision was announced by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit during a press conference at the Secretariat this morning.
The move, according to power ministry officials, will effectively allow filling stations to lift fuel from depots according to their demand, marking an end to the restrictions imposed on 6 March to manage supply volatility triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Filling stations will no longer face any restrictions on the volume of fuel they can collect from depots.
"Considering the smooth travel of people for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr and the fuel requirements of farmers for the ongoing Boro irrigation season, the government has decided to withdraw all restrictions, including fuel rationing," the ministry said in a statement.
Public Relation Officer of the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Arif Sadeq, noted that this notification will also be applicable for consumers who will be able to get as much fuel as needed.
The decision has already been communicated verbally to the three state-owned fuel marketing companies: Padma Oil PLC, Meghna Petroleum Limited and Jamuna Oil Company Limited.
Earlier, as global energy routes faced disruptions due to the Iran crisis, the government had limited fuel purchases for various vehicle types.
For ride-sharing bikers, the fuel limit was capped at five litres per day, while SUVs, microbuses, and long-hauliers faced varying limits to prevent stockpiling and manage inventory.
State Minister Amit noted that with the arrival of several imported oil consignments at Chattogram Port, the government has decided to lift all restrictions on fuel distribution.
Officials of the energy ministry commented that as the fuel supply has improved, it has enabled the government to relax the restrictions imposed earlier.
According to the ministry, until further notice, all fuel distribution points across the country will now continue supplying according to demand from today.
The withdrawal of rationing is expected to provide much-needed relief to the transport and agriculture sectors and ensure that public transport can operate at full capacity during the peak Eid holiday rush.
