Fuel pumps in Jashore run dry as panic buying sparks long queues
Fuel station operators said they had enough stock until Sunday, but supplies ran out earlier than expected due to unusually high demand
Many fuel stations in Jashore have temporarily shut down, and petrol has become scarce as motorcyclists rushed to stock up on fuel, fearing a possible shortage following the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
While octane is still available at a few stations, petrol is largely unavailable, forcing motorcyclists to queue for long hours at the remaining open pumps, according to local sources.
Fuel station operators said they had enough stock until Sunday, but supplies ran out earlier than expected due to unusually high demand, as many riders attempted to purchase more fuel than necessary.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Jashore Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam said police have taken steps to monitor the situation and prevent hoarding.
Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Faruk Ahmed said stations have been instructed not to sell fuel in containers. Farmers needing diesel for agricultural purposes have been asked to contact local police stations to obtain a slip allowing them to purchase fuel.
He added that there is no actual fuel shortage, urging people not to create an artificial crisis through panic buying.
Long queues of vehicles were seen in front of Jatrik Petroleum Service on RN Road in Jashore town this afternoon (6 March).
The crowd forced the station to temporarily suspend sales, informing customers that fuel distribution would resume after iftar.
Manager Atikur Rahman and Assistant Supervisor Palash said panic buying had intensified since morning, with many motorcyclists trying to fill their tanks and carry additional fuel, fearing future shortages. They added that customers were being requested to limit purchases to Tk200 worth of fuel to maintain order.
Similar scenes were reported at several other stations in the town, including those in Pulerhat, Chanchra and near the Jashore Medical College area, where sales to motorcyclists were also limited to Tk200.
At Garikhana Fuel Station, a notice reading "Sorry, no fuel available" was displayed after petrol and octane stocks were exhausted earlier in the day.
