CAB calls for transparent fuel supply and distribution

The Chattogram divisional and metropolitan leaders of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) have called on authorities to ensure transparency in the supply, storage and distribution of fuel oil, amid what they term a fuel crisis triggered by the Iran war.

In a press release issued on 2 April 2026, CAB leaders alleged that, despite assurances from the government and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) of adequate fuel stocks and supply, customers continued to encounter signboards at petrol pumps warning of diesel and octane shortages. They said this situation had compelled car owners and drivers to spend whole days seeking fuel, causing severe hardship.

Signatories included CAB central committee Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain; CAB Chattogram divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chhaberi; metropolitan President Jasmine Sultana Paru; General Secretary Ajay Mitra Shanku; Joint Secretary Md Selim Jahangir; Organising Secretary Jannatul Ferdous; and CAB Youth Group Chattogram metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman.

The statement said that, while the government had previously announced measures to curb illegal sale and theft of fuel oil during periods of unrest, enforcement remained weak. The leaders alleged that, after the Iran war, some traders stored fuel in open drums and warehouses under the pretext of selling loose fuel, with law enforcement agencies now seizing such stocks in ongoing drives.

The leaders further alleged a rise in fuel being diverted through vouchers and siphoned from various modes of transport using illegal pipes. They argued that ineffective monitoring of storage, supply and marketing had left the situation unchanged, despite government claims of sufficient stocks and tankers waiting at port.

Public concern and confusion over fuel availability had grown, they said. Citing consumer reports and media coverage, the CAB leaders claimed most pumps remained short of fuel, with long queues forming in districts and upazilas, and customers travelling up to 60 kilometres still unable to procure fuel from urban outlets.

In response, the CAB leaders urged the relevant ministry, BPC and the Petrol Pump Owners Association to publish clear information on which pumps have adequate stocks. They said this would enable customers to collect fuel from designated locations, reduce crowding and alleviate public hardship.

They recommended raising public awareness at district and upazila levels via local newspapers and social media.

To deter fuel theft, syndicates and hoarding, the leaders called for enhanced surveillance in collaboration with district and upazila administrations and relevant agencies. They added that regular disclosure of accurate fuel information would ease public confusion.

They also stressed the need for continuous monitoring of fuel stock and distribution data at district and upazila levels, with the public kept informed through up-to-date and accurate disclosures.

Given the wartime context, the leaders called for an energy conservation policy to be adopted by government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions, and by the public. They urged greater restraint in fuel consumption, reduced use of private cars, increased reliance on public transport, and stronger citizen monitoring—particularly by media representatives, CAB members and professionals—to ensure compliance.