Fuel shortage persists as 75% Savar pumps lack octane, petrol
Customers wait hours as supply fails to meet demand
Most filling stations in Savar have run out of octane and petrol, leaving customers waiting in long queues despite recent fuel price hikes.
According to the upazila administration, around 75% of pumps have no octane or petrol today (19 April).
Only a quarter of the stations have limited supplies, many of which are depleted by midday, keeping pressure high at the remaining outlets. However, about 68% of pumps still have diesel in stock.
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Pump operators said the situation has not improved due to rationing and inadequate supply from depots compared to demand.
Visits to several filling stations in Savar and Ashulia areas showed most pumps without octane or petrol. At a few stations where fuel was available, long queues of vehicles were seen.
Customers said they had to wait for hours even after the price increase, while many pumps were limiting sales to Tk500 worth of fuel per vehicle.
"I visited eight to 10 pumps since morning and finally queued here around 10:30am. It is now past 3pm, but I still haven't received fuel," said Shamsuzzohha Mithu, a representative of a pharmaceutical company, standing in line at a filling station in Ashulia.
"Only increasing prices will not solve the crisis. Until all pumps have fuel, the situation will not improve," he added.
Another motorcyclist, Azmir, said he has been waiting since noon and is unsure if he will get fuel before evening due to heavy demand.
Pump officials said supply from depots remains insufficient. "The octane we had ran out by midday. We are not getting supply regularly, and this is the same across all stations," said Mostak Ahmed, manager of a filling station in Savar.
He said where the station previously sold around 54,000 litres of octane weekly, it is now receiving only about one-third, while demand has increased significantly.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saiful Islam said there is no overall supply shortage, but uneven distribution and panic buying are creating pressure on certain pumps.
"When customers fail to find fuel at one or two stations, it creates panic and increases demand beyond normal levels," he said.
He also noted that increased load shedding has raised diesel demand, as industries rely on generators during power outages.
The official said the situation is being closely monitored and expressed hope that pressure will ease in the coming days.
