B Mirror Report: Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has said a sharp rise in fuel demand after Eid has caused petrol pumps to sell a full day’s stock within just three hours.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the first working day after the Eid holidays, the minister said the sudden pressure on filling stations has disrupted the normal fuel supply cycle.
“Demand has increased so sharply that pumps which used to sell a full day’s fuel are now exhausting the same volume in just three hours,” he said, adding that such a situation would naturally lead to shortages.
Although the situation had improved somewhat after restrictions on fuel sales were lifted ahead of Eid, it has worsened again since Eid night, partly due to the impact of the Iran war, he noted.
Long queues of vehicles have continued to form at petrol pumps across Dhaka, with many drivers returning without fuel. Pump workers are also struggling to manage the crowds, leading to frequent disputes with customers.
On Monday, two days after Eid, long lines of cars and motorcycles were seen at filling stations throughout the day and into the evening, with the same situation continuing late into the night. By Tuesday morning, queues were still visible, with one line in Paribagh stretching close to Shahbagh.
Pump operators say they are not receiving fuel in line with rising demand. At the same time, customers fearing further shortages are purchasing extra fuel, widening the gap between supply and demand.
Explaining the earlier decision to ration fuel sales, the minister said petrol pumps were no longer able to maintain sufficient stock throughout the day. Previously, fuel delivered in the morning would last all day, but with heavy demand and long queues, stocks now run out quickly, while replenishment from depots takes time.
When asked about shortages throughout the day, the minister said the issue lies in the imbalance between demand and available stock.
The government had imposed limits on petrol, octane, and diesel sales on March 6 to manage the crisis but later withdrew those restrictions considering Eid travel and irrigation needs.
Earlier, the minister urged people to remain patient and avoid buying more fuel than necessary, assuring that there would be no overall supply crisis.
He also noted that the supply system has come under strain due to a sudden surge of customers, even though the daily volume of fuel supply remains unchanged.
“More customers mean longer queues, and some people may not get fuel. That is normal,” he said, calling for cooperation from vehicle owners while assuring that the government will take necessary steps to address the situation.
