Fuel supply on schedule, yet most pumps shut in Chattogram or ration sales

Most filling stations in Chattogram have shut or are selling fuel on a rationed basis despite regular supplies from depots, leaving commuters and drivers facing disruption across the city.

Although the government lifted the rationing system on 15 March, pump owners say they have continued it as limited supplies are being depleted within hours amid a surge in demand.

They also said many customers are buying excess fuel and storing it, putting additional pressure on stations.

According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) sources, fuel is being supplied regularly from depots.

However, pump owners say the quantities are not sufficient to meet demand, with many stations receiving fuel only every few days.

Today (5 April) 13,000 litres of octane and 9,000 litres of diesel were supplied to the QC Petrol Pump in the city.

Mir Khan, manager of QC Trading Limited, said the fuel is being depleted within seven to eight hours due to high demand, putting pressure on stock.

At CMP Filling Station, around 2,363 litres of diesel and 2,574 litres of octane were in stock in the afternoon. However, sources said this fuel too is being exhausted within seven to eight hours, with sales continuing.

Mohammad Mainuddin, member secretary of the Chattogram division of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, told TBS, "There is no shortage of fuel at our stations. We are selling as much as dealers are supplying based on demand. Tag officers have been deployed at stations to maintain normal supply.

"The main reason behind the situation is that many people are buying more fuel than they need, and some are stockpiling it. Storing excess fuel at home is putting pressure on filling stations. Normal operations will return if people act responsibly," he added.

At CMP Filling Station, fuel is being supplied normally to government vehicles. However, private motorcycles are receiving fuel worth up to Tk500, while cars and jeeps are being given fuel worth up to Tk2,000.

A similar system is in place at QC Petrol Pump in the Gani Bakery area, where motorcycles are being sold fuel worth Tk500 and cars, jeeps and microbuses Tk2,000.

Meanwhile, Apollo Filling Station on Love Lane remains completely closed, with no staff present. A pump at Wasa intersection is continuing limited sales.

Pump owners said they are selling fuel as they receive it from depots and cannot turn customers away, which is why they are forced to sell on a rationed basis.

On the ground, long queues of motorcycles and private vehicles were seen waiting for fuel. Due to supply falling short of demand, stocks are running out within hours and pumps are being forced to shut temporarily.

Abdur Rahman, who was waiting in line at a pump, said, "I have been waiting for a long time but cannot get fuel. Many pumps are closed, which is increasing our suffering."

Md Alauddin, a trader from Reazuddin Bazar, said, "Although fuel is arriving as per schedule, the supply is not enough compared to demand. More coordinated action from the authorities is needed."