Fuel shortage hits pumps despite adequate stock

A worsening fuel shortage at petrol pumps in the capital has left motorists stranded in long queues, even as authorities insist that the country has adequate fuel stock and continue nationwide drives against illegal hoarding.
Visits to several filling stations in Asad Gate, Ramna and the Tejgaon industrial area on Sunday found large crowds of motorcyclists and private car owners waiting in long queues, with some pumps either halting sales or enforcing strict rationing.
Many motorists were seen moving from one station to another amid uncertainty over supply schedules, triggering frustration and disrupting daily commutes and business activities.
Aminul Islam, a private car driver in Tejgaon, said he had been waiting in a queue stretching nearly half a kilometre at Ideal Filling Station since noon.
"When I spoke at around 1:40pm, I was still waiting. The authorities said fuel distribution would start at 5:00pm," he said, adding that some drivers had reportedly lined up as early as 10:00pm the previous night.
Another motorist, Rajib, echoed similar concerns, citing prolonged delays and lack of clear information about supply.
The situation highlights mounting stress in the downstream fuel market, despite repeated assurances from the government over adequate stock.
In the last 24 hours, mobile court operations recovered 25,537 litres of illegally stored fuel, including 25,132 litres of diesel, 10 litres of octane and 395 litres of petrol.
A total of 381 mobile courts were conducted nationwide during the period, filing 169 cases and realising fines amounting to Tk 886,000. One person was also sentenced to imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud on Thursday cautioned that while the government is working to maintain stability amid the global energy crisis, it would be difficult to control the energy situation if people resort to "panic buying" of fuel.
He also urged citizens to purchase only what they actually need.
He made the remarks during a question-and-answer session in parliament, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
Responding to a supplementary question from Patuakhali-2 MP Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, the minister described the current energy situation as a global challenge.
He said it has become a major issue worldwide, but Bangladesh is still trying to manage it effectively. However, if panic buying emerges, the situation will be difficult to contain.
"We are requesting people to buy only what they need. If this is followed, there will be no problem regarding fuel," he said.
Earlier, in his supplementary question, Dr Masud raised concerns about MPs facing difficulties and even humiliation while trying to procure fuel.
He also alleged irregularities by dealers in his constituency, claiming they were selling fuel from their homes instead of official outlets.
"Just yesterday, we saw a respected MP being somewhat humiliated while trying to collect fuel. Earlier, another MP faced a crisis after failing to get fuel," Dr. Masud told the House.

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