Rumors of a sudden fuel shortage in Rajshahi have triggered large crowds at several filling stations across the city and surrounding rural areas, with motorcycle riders and other vehicle owners rushing to refuel. However, petrol pump owners have confirmed that there is no actual shortage of fuel and that the rush was caused by misinformation circulating on social media.
The rumors began spreading on social media platforms after Tuesday evening, prompting many people to visit filling stations to top up their tanks in anticipation of a possible shortage. As a result, several petrol pumps in Rajshahi city and the district witnessed unusually long queues.
A visit to different filling stations found long lines of motorcycles, private cars, and other vehicles waiting for fuel. The situation was reportedly more crowded at some pumps in rural areas than in the city. Heavy crowds were seen at GM, Lata, Sarkar, Chhanda, and Alam filling stations in areas including Nowdapara and Shalbagan.
At Habib Filling Station, petrol and octane supplies ran out, leaving only diesel available for sale. Meanwhile, more than a hundred motorcycles and vehicles were seen waiting in line at Ruchita Filling Station.
A motorcycle rider, Sohel Rana, said, “I heard that a fuel shortage could occur again like before, so I came to fill my tank in advance.”
Another rider, Zakaria, said, “I saw reports about a possible fuel shortage on Facebook after evening and immediately came to get fuel. But when I arrived, I found a very long queue. I am still waiting and have not received fuel yet.”
Filling station officials said fuel supplies remain normal and that the temporary pressure at some stations was caused by the sudden increase in customers. They emphasized that the situation was not due to any actual shortage.
Rajshahi Petrol Pump Owners’ Association President Momimul Haque said, “There is no fuel shortage. People are buying more fuel than they normally need because of rumors, which is creating unnecessary pressure. We urge everyone not to believe rumors and to purchase fuel according to their requirements. Creating panic may lead to an artificial crisis.”
Meanwhile, the verified Facebook page of the Rajshahi District Administration issued a public notice stating that the district has adequate fuel reserves and that supply operations are running normally.
The notice urged people not to purchase or store excessive amounts of fuel based on rumors or misleading information. It requested residents to buy fuel only as needed and cooperate in maintaining a stable supply system.
The district administration also said it is regularly monitoring market conditions in coordination with relevant authorities. Any person or organization found attempting to create an artificial shortage, raise prices unfairly, or disrupt the market through hoarding will face legal action under existing laws.