The government has withdrawn the temporary rationing system for fuel sales, allowing filling stations across the country to supply fuel based on customer demand.
However, transport workers say shortages, long queues, and irregularities at some filling stations are still making it difficult for them to obtain fuel.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources announced that all restrictions, including rationing on fuel purchases, have been lifted with immediate effect.
The ministry said the rationing system had been introduced earlier to manage supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict, which affected global fuel supply lines. However, several imported oil tankers have already arrived at Chittagong Port, easing the supply situation.
Considering the upcoming Eid travel rush and the fuel demand for the ongoing Boro cultivation season, the government decided to lift all restrictions on fuel distribution.
“Until further notice, fuel will be distributed from all supply points based on customer demand,” the ministry said in the statement.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to hoard fuel.
“If we find any negligence or irresponsibility in implementing the government’s decision, administrative action will be taken against those involved,” he said.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, the state minister said three key factors were considered: the arrival of imported oil shipments, ensuring smooth Eid travel for the public, and meeting the fuel demand of farmers during the Boro cultivation season.
Responding to a question about the possibility of importing fuel from India, Amit said Bangladesh has already approached the Indian authorities.
“We have requested them, and they said they will consider the matter positively. However, we have not yet received any final decision,” he added.
When asked about allegations of irregularities in fuel distribution, the state minister said actions had been taken in some cases even if they were not widely reported.
“We all must act responsibly. In the past, not everyone involved in distribution—and even some consumers—behaved responsibly,” he said, urging citizens to remain vigilant against illegal fuel hoarding.
Despite the government’s announcement, several transport workers claimed that long queues and fuel shortages persisted at some filling stations in the capital.
Shipon, a conductor of a Gulistan–Airport route bus, commonly known as route No. 3, said the situation at fuel pumps had not improved significantly.
“Until yesterday there were many restrictions. Today they say there will be no fuel shortage, but we still see long lines at pumps and cannot get fuel easily,” he said.
Bus driver Akramul said he had struggled for hours to obtain fuel over the past few days.
“The day before yesterday I kept searching until 2am but still could not get fuel. Even after fasting yesterday, I went around several stations from Abdullahpur but could not manage any fuel,” he said.
According to him, when he finally managed to get a serial at a filling station in Abdullahpur, there were 27 vehicles ahead of him.
“Later I had to leave the pump without fuel. Eventually I got fuel at a station near the airport, but I had to pay Tk300 extra to buy Tk6,000 worth of fuel,” he alleged.
Ride-sharing driver Hasib Rahman also described similar difficulties.
“When I heard that the restrictions had been lifted, I immediately went to a fuel station to refill. But when I arrived, I saw a line of nearly 200 vehicles in front of me,” he said.
“I was surprised to see such a long queue at a pump in Shahbagh, even though the supply was supposed to be normal. It makes me wonder how long we will have to wait like this just to get fuel,” he added.
Another bus driver, Babu, claimed that some filling stations were demanding additional payments beyond the official price.
“At a pump named Prottasha near East West Medical College, drivers have to pay extra charges. For 30 litres it may be Tk50 extra, but if someone wants more fuel they may have to pay Tk500 to Tk1,000,” he said.
Transport workers also alleged that vehicles on certain routes were getting priority access to fuel while others had to wait for hours.
A senior ministry source told Dhaka Tribune that the earlier disruptions were partly caused by attempts by some groups to stockpile or smuggle fuel.
The source said the situation was already improving and authorities were working to stabilize supply across the country.
“We hope the problems will be resolved within the next couple of days. Agencies responsible for fuel distribution are working around the clock,” the source said.
The ministry also expressed hope that fuel supply would remain stable during the Eid travel period, allowing long-distance buses and other vehicles to obtain the fuel they need without disruption.
