Fuel Shortage and Security Concerns Raise Risk of Petrol Pump Shutdowns in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned that petrol pumps across the country may shut down at any time due to severe fuel shortages and growing security concerns.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the association described the situation at fuel stations nationwide as “dire,” saying that the daily supply of fuel from companies is insufficient to meet rising consumer demand. As a result, motorcyclists and other customers are being forced to wait in long queues for hours.

The statement also highlighted the strain on pump workers, who are not accustomed to handling prolonged, uninterrupted workloads, leading to both physical and mental stress.

According to the association, fuel reserves that would normally last several days are being depleted within a short time due to sudden surges in demand and disorderly conditions. For example, one petrol pump in a district town reportedly had 10,500 liters each of petrol and octane before Eid, while another had around 8,000 liters—yet both ran out quickly under heavy pressure.

The association further alleged incidents of mob activity, where groups have forcibly opened petrol pumps late at night to take fuel. Citing an incident in Thakurgaon, it claimed that attackers armed with sticks looted fuel supplies during a delivery.

It warned that such incidents could become widespread, as many petrol pumps currently lack adequate security. There are also concerns about the safety of fuel transportation from depots, with fears that tankers could be looted en route.

Given the worsening fuel crisis and lack of security, the association cautioned that unless immediate measures are taken to ensure protection and stable supply, petrol pump owners may have no option but to suspend operations nationwide.