Dhaka launches ‘Fuel Pass’ app trial at filling stations

The Bangladesh government has initiated a pilot of the QR code-based "Fuel Pass" mobile application in Dhaka, aimed at streamlining fuel distribution and eliminating market irregularities. The trial, which commenced on Thursday, 9 April 2026, is currently active at two high-traffic locations: Sonar Bangla Filling Station at Asad Gate and Trust Filling Station in Tejgaon.

Monir Hossain Chowdhury, the spokesperson for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) and Joint Secretary (Operations), announced the initiative during a press conference at the Secretariat. The official confirmed that the pilot has already generated a significant response, with more than 10,000 users registering for the digital system within the first few hours of its launch.

The "Fuel Pass" system, developed under the EMRD and implemented by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), seeks to automate a manual distribution process that has long been plagued by inefficiencies. Authorities noted that long queues often persist at filling stations even when supply remains adequate, often due to individuals collecting fuel repeatedly, which contributes to artificial shortages.

The digital system is integrated with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) central database, allowing for real-time monitoring of vehicle-specific fuel allocation. Under this framework, users receive a unique QR code linked to their vehicle registration. This ensures that only verified vehicles can access the supply, preventing unauthorised or excessive collections.

Filling station operators use the app to digitally record each transaction, enabling consumers to track their entitled quota via their mobile devices. Simultaneously, the government can monitor national supply levels through a centralised dashboard. This data-driven approach is expected to provide a clearer picture of consumption trends across the capital.

While the initial phase focuses exclusively on motorcycle users in the capital, the government plans to replicate the programme nationwide for all vehicle types if the pilot proves successful. Monir Hossain Chowdhury described the initiative as a critical step toward strengthening the nation’s fuel security framework, particularly during periods of supply disruption.

To ensure inclusivity for users without smartphones, the government has enabled registration via a dedicated web portal. Individuals can visit the site to register their details and download or print physical QR codes. This hybrid approach is intended to ensure that the transition to digital energy management does not exclude segments of the motoring public.

The Energy Division has urged cooperation from all stakeholders to scale the system quickly. By digitising the fuel supply chain, the BPC intends to bring greater transparency to the sector, ensuring that limited resources are distributed equitably. The goal is to prevent the hoarding and wastage that has historically disrupted market stability in Dhaka.

The centralised dashboard created by this app will provide the state with precise data on consumption patterns, allowing for better-informed policy decisions regarding fuel imports and subsidies. This digital transformation is expected to significantly reduce the time spent by citizens at filling stations while ensuring that the national energy supply is protected from exploitation during the global energy crisis.