B Mirror Report:  A widespread shortage of octane has gripped the capital, with most fuel stations displaying “No Octane” signs, causing frustration among commuters and transport workers. Although fuel was available at a few stations, long queues of customers were seen there, yet the desired fuel remained unavailable.

Pump authorities said they could not specify any exact time for fuel supply from depots. People were seen moving from one station to another in search of fuel, but most pumps continued to display ‘No Octane’ signs.

Zahir rayhan , a Uber rider, told Dhaka Post that the biggest frustration is that while searching for fuel from one station to another, the remaining fuel in his vehicle gets exhausted. “If this continues, I may not be able to operate my vehicle within two days due to the fuel shortage. My family may have to go without food,” he added.

However, pump owners offered a different explanation. They claimed that people are purchasing more fuel than necessary, causing stocks to run out quickly. They also mentioned that payment complications due to the closure of banks and depots during the Eid holidays have contributed to the temporary shortage, although the main issue is high demand.

Tamim, cashier of Cosmo Filling Station and Service Center in Uttara, said, “We did not receive any fuel from the depot today, so we have kept the station closed since morning. Although we are supposed to receive one tanker daily, we got only 4,000 liters yesterday, whereas a full tanker carries about 18,000 liters. With 4,000 liters, we cannot keep the station open even for two hours it runs out almost immediately.”

He added, “We keep waiting like a thirsty bird for a message from the depot about fuel supply. Until we receive that message, there is nothing we can do.”