The fuel crisis shows no signs of easing. Even though the rationing system has been lifted, vehicle drivers are still not getting fuel.
Long queues of vehicles, ranging from motorcycles to heavy transport, are seen at the pumps.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has expressed fears that petrol pumps might shut down due to the fuel shortage.
However, the government does not agree with the Petrol Pump Owners Association.
Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku claims there is no shortage of fuel oil. According to him, the pressure has been created slightly because fuel supply was closed for two days.
However, the minister's comments do not align with reality. Most petrol pumps in Dhaka city are still without oil Monday.
On Monday (March 23), the third day of Eid, a survey of the capital from New Market to Gabtoli, Mirpur to Kuril, Shahbagh to Jahangir Gate, Asadgate, Taltola, and Mohakhali to Tejgaon Satrasta revealed that oil was being sold at only three petrol pumps.
Oil sales were observed at Mohana Filling Station in Gabtoli, SR Enterprise in Mohakhali, and Meghna Model Service Center opposite the InterContinental Dhaka.
There were very long lines at these three pumps.
Meanwhile, due to the holidays, oil did not arrive from the depots. Hoping that oil might arrive in the afternoon, many drivers are standing with their vehicles in line in front of closed pumps.
Simon Sarkar has been standing in line for a long time at the Meghna petrol pump.
“I visited several pumps and heard from others before coming here. I don’t know if I will get oil in the end. Even if I do, they might give less than what is needed. I have been going through this problem for the last 15 days.”
Salam, a private car driver in the queue, said: “The government says there is no oil problem. But we are roaming from pump to pump and not finding oil. Where is the problem actually? Is there oil or not? If there is oil, why do we have to wander from pump to pump? And if there is no oil, the government should clarify that too.”
Situation outside Dhaka
Our Kurigram correspondent reports that a severe fuel oil crisis has emerged there. There is no oil in the 20 filling stations of the district. Consequently, they have been kept closed.
Thousands of customers are returning with frustration after trying to buy oil. The suffering of customers has reached an extreme level due to the oil shortage.
Meanwhile, in various filling stations of Thakurgaon district, customers are not getting the desired oil even after standing in line for hours. Most pumps have "No Oil" notices hanging.
In places where a limited supply arrives, it runs out quickly. As a result, many vehicles are returning without oil.
This has led to arguments and tension in some places. The situation is the same at various petrol pumps in Comilla, Chittagong, and Rajbari.
The Rajshahi Divisional Petrol Pump Owners Association stated that the allocation of petrol and octane provided from various depots, including Baghabari, is often inconsistent with the designated capacity of the tank lorries.
Generally, while a lorry’s chamber is 4,500 liters, sometimes only 2,000 to 3,000 liters are supplied. Consequently, transport costs increase, and pump owners face financial losses.
At the same time, if owners show a lack of interest in withdrawing oil, there is a fear that it might be supplied through other channels to the black market.
In this situation, the concerned authorities have been requested to take necessary measures to ensure allocation according to the capacity of the tank lorries.
What pump owners say
Nazmul Haque, president of the Petrol Pump Owners Association, said: “The situation deteriorated because supply from the oil company depots was closed on the day of Eid and the day after. Although supply started on Monday, oil has not yet reached many pumps. Oil is expected to reach the pumps by afternoon or evening.”
On the other hand, the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents, and Petrol Pump Owners Association has sent a letter to the administration seeking security for the pumps amidst this oil shortage.
Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, convener of the association, said: “Due to the global situation, the fuel supply is lower than demand, increasing pressure on filling stations. While managing the crowd of motorcycle riders and general consumers, incidents of attacks on staff and vandalism have occurred in various places.”
In this situation, he called for the cooperation of the local police administration to keep the pumps operational, saying, “If necessary, considering security, owners should take decisions on their own initiative so that no accidents occur.”
Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku urged everyone not to panic, adding: “Even with subsidies, 5% more oil is being imported compared to last year.”
On March 6, rationing was introduced when panicked people started buying extra oil due to the Iran war. Later, the rationing amount was reduced from 25% to 15%.
