Fear of possible global supply disruptions due to the war in the Middle East has triggered panic buying of fuel in Khulna, resulting in long queues at petrol pumps despite officials confirming that fuel stocks remain adequate.
Authorities say depots currently have sufficient reserves, but petrol pumps are receiving around 25% less supply than their normal demand as a precautionary measure. The reduced supply, combined with panic buying by motorists, has led to long queues at several filling stations across the city.
Long lines were seen Monday at petrol pumps in areas, including Notun Rasta, Ferry Ghat and New Market, where motorcyclists and drivers waited to purchase fuel for hours. Many riders are visiting pumps to refill even when their tanks are not empty, further intensifying the rush.
Fuel station operators said they are selling fuel in accordance with government-imposed rationing guidelines. Under the directive, motorcycles can purchase up to 2 liters of fuel, private cars 10 liters, SUVs or microbuses 20–25 liters, local buses or pickup vehicles 70–80 liters, and long-distance buses or trucks 200–220 liters.
Some pump operators said that motorcyclists who are supposed to receive 2 liters are sometimes being given fuel worth Tk 200 instead. In certain cases, fuel is also being supplied in bottles to institutions such as hospitals and clinics upon written requests for generator use.
Despite the rush at pumps, officials say there is no actual shortage of fuel. According to depot authorities, Khulna has nearly 3.8 million liters of diesel, 950,000 liters of petrol and about 350,000 liters of octane in stock. From the Khulna depot, fuel is supplied daily to filling stations across 13 districts, including 432,000 liters of diesel, 122,000 liters of petrol and 42,000 liters of octane.
Government-set retail prices remain unchanged at Tk 100 per liter for diesel, Tk 116 for petrol and Tk 120 for octane.
However, reports from rural areas suggest that some retailers are taking advantage of the panic to raise prices. In several villages, diesel is reportedly being sold Tk 20 to Tk 30 higher per liter than the official rate, making it difficult for farmers to purchase fuel.
Agriculture officials said there is no shortage of diesel and warned that strict action will be taken against anyone creating an artificial crisis or selling fuel above the government-approved price.
The local administration has also stepped up its monitoring. Upazila Nirbahi Officers and Assistant Commissioners (land) have been instructed to ensure fair pricing and take legal action against violators in rural markets.
Officials urged the public not to panic, emphasizing that fuel stocks remain stable and supplies will continue under the existing rationing system.