As Ramadan continues and Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, Bangladesh is preparing for its largest annual mass movement of people, when millions leave Dhaka and other major cities to return to their hometowns.
This year, however, uncertainty in the fuel market, long queues at petrol pumps and concerns about possible fare hikes have created fresh anxiety ahead of the Eid rush.
Discussions with passengers, transport operators, consumer rights activists and government officials suggest that uncertainty surrounding fuel supply—combined with the surge in travel demand during Eid—could put pressure on the transport sector. While the government insists there is no major shortage of fuel, conversations about possible fare increases have already begun.
Visits to several petrol stations in Tejgaon and Mirpur in Dhaka showed long lines of vehicles from early morning, with many drivers saying they sometimes have to wait more than an hour to refuel.
Abdul Karim, a ride-sharing motorcycle driver working with Pathao, said delays in getting fuel directly affect his income.
“Sometimes it takes a long time to get fuel. Without fuel we cannot run our vehicles, and that means we cannot earn,” he said.
Bus driver Mohammad Selim said fuel costs are a major component of operating expenses.
“A bus consumes a lot of diesel every day. If it becomes difficult to get fuel or the price increases, owners start talking about raising fares,” he said.
Transport sector insiders say fuel accounts for a significant portion of operational costs, particularly for long-distance buses.
Md Ziaul Hoq, a Barisal-based bus owner, said operators have not yet faced serious disruptions but remain cautious.
“Until now, we have not seen any major problem. However, the fuel supply appears lower compared to demand. If long-distance buses have to refuel multiple times from different stations during a trip, operational costs may increase,” he said.
He added that frequent refuelling could also affect travel time.
“For long-distance routes, it may take longer than usual to complete trips if buses have to stop repeatedly for fuel. That could create operational challenges,” he said.
Passengers preparing for Eid journeys say even a small increase in fares would put pressure on household budgets.
At the Gabtoli bus terminal, Rokeya Begum, who plans to travel to Rangpur with her family, said higher fares would significantly increase their expenses.
“There are four members in our family. Even a small increase in ticket prices will raise our travel costs a lot. During Eid, prices of everything go up,” she said.
Mahmudul Hasan, a passenger travelling to Chittagong, said transport operators often charge additional money during the Eid season.
“Sometimes they take extra money in the name of special services. If fares increase this time using fuel as an excuse, it will create more problems for ordinary people,” he said.
At the Sadarghat launch terminal, Barisal-bound passenger Promi Akter said river transport is relatively affordable but tickets are difficult to obtain.
“If fares increase, it will become very difficult for low-income people,” she said.
Train passenger Shahin Alam, travelling to northern Bangladesh, said trains remain the most reliable option, although tickets are extremely hard to secure during Eid.
“If train services are reduced or fares increase, it will be a major problem for us,” he said.
SM Nazer Hossain, vice-president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), warned that instability in the fuel market could be used as a justification for charging higher fares.
“Complaints about overcharging during Eid are very common. If the fuel market remains unstable, there is a risk that it will be used as an excuse,” he said.
He urged the government to strengthen monitoring and introduce digital ticketing systems to reduce fare manipulation.
Despite public concern, the government says there is no fuel shortage in the country.
Officials say several measures are being planned to ensure smoother travel during the Eid period.
Talking about this, Shipping Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury said authorities are considering using alternative river terminals to reduce pressure on Sadarghat.
“To ensure safe and uninterrupted Eid travel, we have already taken several initiatives. We are considering using alternative terminals to reduce congestion,” she said.
Shimulya terminal near Kanchan Bridge may be used more effectively, while authorities are also considering establishing a new terminal in the Bosila area.
“If these initiatives are implemented, passengers will be able to use multiple terminals. This will reduce congestion at Sadarghat and make launch operations more orderly,” she said.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque said strict monitoring will be in place on highways to ensure safe travel during the Eid rush.
On this regards, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said there is currently no decision to increase fuel prices.
“There is no shortage of fuel in the country, and there is no plan to increase prices at this moment,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
He said the long queues at petrol pumps are largely the result of public anxiety rather than an actual shortage.
“The lines we are seeing at petrol pumps are mostly from motorcycles and private vehicles, which use octane and petrol. There is no shortage of these fuels,” he said.
According to the state minister, most petrol is refined domestically, while a large portion of octane is also produced locally, with some imported.
“Bangladesh depends more on imports for diesel and furnace oil. Many people are trying to buy fuel in advance because of concerns that supply might run out or prices may rise. That panic buying is creating the queues,” he explained.
He added that no petrol pump has experienced a complete fuel outage. “Some people may have had to wait, but supply has not stopped anywhere,” he said.
Providing an update on supply, the state minister said two vessels carrying around 30,000 tonnes of fuel were scheduled to arrive recently.
“One has already arrived and another is at the outer anchorage. We expect unloading to begin by Tuesday afternoon,” he said.
Another fuel shipment is expected to arrive on Thursday, he added.
He also noted that Bangladesh continues to receive fuel through a pipeline agreement with India.
“Under this arrangement, around 15,000 tonnes of fuel are supplied every month. A large portion has already arrived and the rest is being delivered regularly,” he said.