Fuel supply improves, but not enough to end long queues at pumps

Although the government has withdrawn the rationing system for refined fuel purchases to ease public suffering ahead of Eid travel rush, supply at refuelling stations across Bangladesh has yet to normalise, leaving motorists, transport operators and pump owners grappling with continued shortages and long queues.

The rationing had been introduced earlier after disruptions in global energy supply routes caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East. The government yesterday (15 March) lifted restrictions on petrol, octane and diesel sales until further notice.

Consumers say the situation on the ground has changed little, as many filling stations are still receiving less fuel than required from depots. As a result, pumps are limiting sales or running out of fuel within a few hours of opening.

Md Nazmul Hoque, president of the Petrol Pump Owners Association, yesterday said supply from depots to filling stations has not yet returned to pre-war levels.

"Even though consumer-level restrictions have been withdrawn, petrol pumps are still receiving less fuel than what they demand," he told TBS.

During visits to several filling stations in the capital, long queues of motorcycles and private cars were seen waiting to collect fuel. Many consumers complained that they had to wait for one to two hours, only to receive limited quantities.

Sohel Mahmud, a private sector professional, said he could not fill his motorcycle tank even after waiting nearly an hour.

"I needed about 10 litres of octane, but after waiting in line, I was given only around three litres," he said.

Mizanur Rahman Ratan, a former secretary of the Petrol Pump Owners Association who operates six filling stations – four in Bogura and two in Dhaka – said depots are supplying nearly half of the fuel requested by pump owners.

"I placed a demand for 13,500 litres of diesel but received only 9,500 litres. Supplies of octane and petrol have also dropped significantly," he said.

Shortages across districts

Fuel supply remains erratic in several districts even after the withdrawal of rationing.

In Khulna, many filling stations are unable to sell fuel normally due to inadequate supply from depots.

A worker at Bishwas Filling Station said the depot is providing far less fuel than the station's daily demand.

"Even though the rationing system has been withdrawn, we cannot provide more fuel because supply is limited. Motorcycles are still getting fuel worth only Tk250," he said.

In Bogura, visits to stations in the Charmatha and Tinmatha areas showed long queues of trucks and buses, while several pumps remained closed due to a lack of supply.

Truck driver Sohel, who was transporting milk from Pabna to Sonatala in Bogura, said drivers are struggling to secure sufficient fuel.

"Even when we get diesel, instead of 50 litres we are given only about 20 litres," he said.

In Rajshahi, long queues of motorcycles and private cars were seen at several stations from early morning.

Solaiman Kabir, manager of Afrin Petrol Pump, said customers are now allowed to purchase fuel worth a maximum of Tk300.

"Demand has increased several times, but supply has not. Diesel and octane have already run out," he said, adding that the situation may improve once tankers arrive from the Baghabari depot.

The fuel shortage also disrupted transport services in Lakshmipur and Noakhali.

Many pumps were seen providing fuel only in small quantities, forcing drivers to queue for hours. Motorcycle riders were found receiving fuel worth only Tk100-Tk200, while trucks and buses were being supplied around Tk1,500 worth of fuel.

Small truck driver Abdus Salam said the shortage has severely affected his work.

"Previously, I transported three to four truckloads of bricks a day. Now I struggle to complete even one trip," he said.