Most petrol pumps shut as owners warn of shortage, security concerns
The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association noted that along with the fuel shortage, security risks have intensified, including threats of tanker looting during transportation from depots.
Highlights
- Owners say fuel supply is insufficient
- Reports of chaotic scenes, with some buyers purchasing fuel repeatedly for resale
- Allegations of looting, including forced nighttime pump openings and tanker security threats
Most petrol pumps across the capital remain shut today (25 March), a couple of days after owners warned of fuel shortage and security concerns.
Visiting PWD Sports Club filling station, it was seen that the entry is shut with bamboo sticks. The same situation was observed in many other filling stations in the capital, including areas such as Matuail, Rayerbagh and Signboard.
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What owners say
Earlier on 22 March, petrol pump owners in Bangladesh warned that fuel stations across the country may shut down due to mounting security concerns and an ongoing fuel supply shortage.
In a late-night press release, the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association said petrol pumps nationwide are facing a 'critical situation' as the daily fuel allocation from companies is insufficient to meet growing consumer demand.
The organisation further alleged that the issue of security in fuel marketing has been largely overlooked by the government and local administration, leading to increasing disorder at pump stations.
Citing recent incidents, the association said that despite having around 10,500 litres of petrol and an equal amount of octane at one pump ahead of Eid, and about 8,000 litres at another, the stock was depleted within a short period due to excessive pressure and chaotic situations.
Describing the situation as a form of "looting," the association claimed that some individuals are purchasing fuel multiple times a day and reselling it at higher prices.
In some cases, motorcyclists were reportedly refuelling up to 10 times daily while others repeatedly returned with partially filled tanks, depriving genuine customers.
The association also alleged that organised groups have been forcibly opening pumps at night and taking fuel.
Referring to an incident in Thakurgaon, it said miscreants armed with sticks looted fuel during supply operations.
The association noted that along with the fuel shortage, security risks have intensified, including threats of tanker looting during transportation from depots.
After the US-Israel attack on Iran and Iran retaliating by restricting the Strait of Hormuz, there arose panic among the public, anticipating a shortage of fuel supply.
For the past several days, consumers struggled to obtain enough fuel to run their vehicles. At one stage, the government introduced a rationing system, yet many vehicle users continued to face difficulties.
With Eid al-Fitr approaching and people rushing to travel home, the government withdrew the fuel rationing order for petrol, octane and diesel, following the arrival of several imported oil tankers at Chattogram Port.
However, owners still cited a shortage of supply and stopped selling fuel altogether.
