QR-based 'Fuel Pass' launched as long queues persist at pumps

The government has launched a pilot QR code-based 'Fuel Pass' system in Dhaka to bring transparency and discipline to fuel sales as panic buying of fuel continues to trigger long queues at filling stations despite repeated assurances of adequate supply.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) introduced the mobile app-based system at two filling stations in the city -- Trust Filling Station at Tejgaon and Sonar Bangla Filling Station at Asad Gate, according to an EMRD press release issued on Thursday.
Developed by the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the initiative allows motorcycle riders to collect fuel using unique QR codes. The system will be expanded nationwide for all vehicles if the pilot proves successful.
Under the Fuel Pass system, each user is assigned a unique QR code linked to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) database, enabling vehicle-based verification.
At filling stations, drivers scan the code to receive fuel according to allocated quotas, while station operators digitally record transactions. Central authorities can monitor supply in real time.
The initiative is aimed at curbing artificial shortages and long queues caused by manual distribution, where some individuals collect fuel multiple times. Non-smartphone users can also register online and use printed QR codes.
The rollout comes as motorists continue to crowd petrol pumps across the capital amid fears of supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
On Thursday, long queues of private cars and motorcycles were seen at several filling stations, with lines stretching from several hundred metres to nearly a kilometre in areas such as Ramna, Tejgaon, Motijheel and Bijoy Sarani.
Such queues also contributed to traffic congestion.
While visiting different areas, the FE correspondent found that some pumps temporarily suspended sales after exhausting daily allocations due to the surge in demand, while others reported shortages of octane and petrol.
At busy locations including Shahbagh, Fakirapool, Malibagh, Kalyanpur and Shyamoli, many motorists either waited in long lines or turned back after being told supplies had run out.
Sector insiders said fuel sales have risen sharply in recent days due to panic buying, though they expect
the situation to stabilise if supply remains steady.
Officials and energy experts attributed the situation to public anxiety rather than an actual shortage.
Illegally stored fuel oil recovered
BSS adds: Nearly 469,042 litres of illegally stored fuel oil have been recovered in a nationwide operation conducted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Department.
This information was disclosed by the department's Joint Secretary (Operations Division) Monir Hossain Chowdhury at a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday.
The fuel was recovered during mobile court drives conducted from March 3 to April 7.
Monir said the largest volume of fuel recovered was diesel, amounting to 352,047 litres. In addition, 36,621 litres of octane and 80,374 litres of petrol were recovered during the operations.
The drives are being carried out to prevent illegal storage, smuggling, and attempts to create artificial crises in fuel supply, he added.
A total of 7,342 drives have been conducted until April 7, he said, adding that 3,111 cases have been filed during the operations.
He also said fines amounting to Tk 14.38 million have been imposed through mobile courts for illegal storage of fuel oil. In addition, 36 people have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.

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