Fuel supply across Bangladesh is expected to return to normal within Monday, according to representatives of petrol pump owners, as fresh shipments of fuel oil begin reaching filling stations.
Nazmul Hoque, president of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers Distributors Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, said that supply has already started improving and the situation should stabilise by Monday afternoon.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit on Sunday, Nazmul said that many filling stations have already received fuel deliveries.
He expressed optimism that shortages experienced in recent days would soon be resolved.
“If the current supply continues, there should be no shortage of fuel oil by tomorrow evening,” he said.
Over the past few days, motorcyclists across the country faced difficulties purchasing petrol and octane as supplies tightened at many fuel stations. Long queues formed at several pumps, while some stations temporarily ran out of stock.
To manage the sudden surge in demand, the government introduced a temporary fuel rationing system earlier this month. Under that arrangement, limits were imposed on the amount of petrol, octane and diesel that different categories of vehicles could purchase.
However, the restrictions were recently withdrawn as additional fuel shipments arrived at Chattogram Port. Officials said the arrival of several imported oil tankers helped improve the country’s fuel stock position.
The decision to lift rationing was announced by State Minister Amit during a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat earlier in the day.
Energy ministry officials explained that the removal of restrictions would allow filling stations to collect fuel from depots based on demand. The rationing system had been introduced on 6 March as a precautionary measure after supply concerns emerged due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted global energy markets.
With Eid al-Fitr approaching and millions of people preparing to travel to their hometowns, authorities hope that restoring normal fuel supply will ease pressure on transport and help ensure smooth travel during the holiday period.
