Long queues at petrol pumps continue to disrupt daily life across Bangladesh, despite repeated assurances from authorities that fuel supply remains stable.
From private car owners to public transport operators and small business owners, many are spending hours waiting to refuel—losing valuable working time and income.
Energy experts and industry insiders say the persistence of queues is driven by a combination of supply chain adjustments, price uncertainties, and public anxiety fuelled by global tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
In several parts of Dhaka and surrounding districts, motorists were seen lining up for hours at filling stations. Many drivers reported arriving early in the morning, only to find dozens of vehicles already waiting.
Abdul Karim, a ride-sharing driver in Mirpur, said the delays have significantly affected his income. “I usually complete 12 to 14 trips a day, but now I lose two to three hours just waiting in line for fuel. My daily earnings have dropped by nearly 30%,” he said.
School teacher Shahana Begum from Uttara described the frustration of managing her daily commute. “I waited almost one and a half hours to refuel last evening. It’s becoming stressful to plan daily activities because you never know how long the queue will be,” she added.
Public transport operators are also facing operational challenges. Bus driver Md Selim Uddin from Gabtoli said delays in refuelling disrupt schedules and increase passenger complaints.
“Passengers get angry when buses run late, but they don’t realise we spend hours waiting for fuel,” he said.
Officials from fuel distribution networks say that while overall supply remains available, logistical challenges have created localised shortages at certain stations.
According to a senior official of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), temporary distribution adjustments and increased demand have strained operations.
“There is no nationwide fuel shortage, but demand has increased sharply in recent days. Some stations face supply gaps due to transport scheduling issues,” the official said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly.
Fuel station owners also cite irregular delivery schedules as a major reason for long queues. Nazmul Haque, owner of a filling station in Ramna, said: “We usually receive fuel deliveries every day, but recently there have been delays of several hours. When supplies arrive late, queues become unavoidable.”
Industry analysts say international developments—especially tensions in the Middle East—have played a psychological role in driving panic buying.
Dr Md Iqbal Hossain, professor of Chemical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), noted that global oil market volatility directly influences local demand behaviour.
“When people hear news about rising oil prices or geopolitical tensions, many rush to refill their tanks even if they do not urgently need fuel. This sudden demand surge creates artificial shortages,” he said.
Energy economist Moinul Islam Rahman said supply chains require time to adjust to sudden spikes in consumption.
“Even a small increase in demand can overwhelm local distribution systems if many consumers refuel simultaneously,” he added.
Small and medium enterprises are among the worst affected by prolonged queues at fuel stations.
Mohammad Shahin, who operates a small delivery service in Mohammadpur, said delays in refuelling are causing missed delivery deadlines.
“Fuel is the backbone of my business. If I cannot refuel on time, my entire operation slows down,” he said.
Agricultural workers and transporters in peri-urban areas are also experiencing difficulties. Farmer Abdul Halim from Savar said fuel uncertainty threatens irrigation and transportation schedules. “We depend on diesel for irrigation pumps. If supply becomes irregular, crop production could suffer,” he warned.
Authorities have also raised concerns about traffic congestion caused by long fuel queues extending onto main roads.
Sub-Inspector Rezaul Karim of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said unmanaged lines pose safety risks. “Vehicles often block major roads while waiting for fuel, increasing the risk of accidents and worsening traffic congestion,” he said.
Urban planners warn that extended roadside queues could disrupt emergency services and public transport systems.
Experts say improved communication and transparent supply updates could help reduce panic buying. Dr Iqbal Hossain suggested that authorities provide real-time information on fuel availability.
“If consumers know supply is stable, panic-driven demand will decrease,” he said.
Energy sector analysts also highlighted the importance of diversifying energy sources to reduce dependency on imported fuel. Expanding renewable energy options such as solar power and electric mobility could reduce long-term reliance on petroleum, they noted.
Officials from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources have reiterated that fuel reserves remain adequate and that distribution systems are being closely monitored.
A ministry spokesperson said: “We are working to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country. Additional monitoring teams have been deployed to prevent hoarding and maintain distribution efficiency.”
However, many consumers remain sceptical and continue to stock up on fuel whenever possible.
While authorities insist there is no nationwide fuel shortage, persistent queues at petrol pumps highlight vulnerabilities in distribution systems and public confidence.
Without improved logistics, stronger communication, and long-term energy planning, experts warn that similar situations could recur—particularly during periods of global market uncertainty.