Bangladesh restricts fuel as US-Iran tensions disrupt energy supplies

Fuel Rationing and Unrest in Bangladesh Amid Regional Tensions

Bangladesh is facing a growing energy crisis as fuel rationing measures have been introduced, leading to long queues at petrol stations and rising public frustration. The situation escalated on Saturday night when one man was killed in the southern district of Jhenaidah after an altercation with petrol station staff over refuelling. This incident has sparked unrest, highlighting the deepening tensions in the country.

The crisis began following the intensification of conflict in the Middle East, particularly after US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which led to retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. In response, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the national oil company, imposed restrictions on fuel sales for most vehicles. These measures aim to prevent panic buying and hoarding, which have become widespread due to concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Impact of Fuel Restrictions

Bangladesh imports 95% of its oil and gas needs, making it highly vulnerable to global market fluctuations. With the current geopolitical tensions, the BPC has implemented strict fuel purchase limits for various types of vehicles. For instance, motorcyclists are now limited to a maximum of two litres per tank. This has caused significant inconvenience for daily commuters and businesses alike.

“Consumers tend to buy more than they usually purchase during times of crisis,” BPC stated in a recent statement. However, the restrictions have not been met with universal acceptance. Many citizens are frustrated with the limitations, arguing that the government should allow full fuel fills to avoid unnecessary hardship.

One motorcyclist, Md Al-Amin, 45, described his experience waiting for over an hour to get just two litres of fuel. “My tank holds eight litres, and I usually fill up once a week — so now I’ll have to come back the day after tomorrow,” he said. Similarly, AKM Ruhul Amin, a paediatrician, expressed his dissatisfaction with the limited amount he could purchase.

“I already waited yesterday, and they closed the station just one car ahead of me,” he said. “I was only able to buy 10 litres today … the government could at least allow us to fill up completely.”

Rising Demand and Supply Challenges

The implementation of fuel restrictions has led to a surge in demand at petrol stations. Ahmad Rush, an official with Meghna Petroleum Ltd., estimated that the number of customers had almost doubled. “We opened at 7:30 this morning and were able to refuel 300 vehicles in three and a half hours,” he said.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains challenging. BPC has indicated that fuel deliveries are expected soon, but the uncertainty surrounding the supply chain continues to cause anxiety among the public.

Broader Implications

The fuel crisis is also affecting other sectors of the economy. Due to the current tensions, five of the country’s six fertiliser factories have been closed until March 18, according to an official with the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation, Ahsan Quddus Kuntal. This closure is expected to impact agricultural production, further complicating the economic landscape.

As the situation unfolds, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of its citizens. While the BPC has taken steps to manage the fuel supply, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to cast a long shadow over Bangladesh, underscoring the interconnected nature of global events and their local consequences.