Energy rationing raises concerns over Eid
Uncertainty over fuel supply has begun to affect Bangladesh’s road transport sector ahead of the Eid holiday rush, raising concerns among passengers about whether they will be able to travel home in time for the festival.
At several bus terminals in Dhaka, operators have started cancelling previously sold advance tickets or delaying the sale of new ones, citing difficulties in securing adequate fuel for their vehicles.
The situation has created anxiety among travellers, many of whom fear that last-minute disruptions could also lead to higher fares.
Despite the growing concerns, the government has firmly stated that fuel prices will not increase before Eid and has warned transport operators against charging additional fares under any circumstances.
Officials say rumours about a possible fuel shortage – linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – have triggered precautionary restrictions on fuel distribution.
As part of the measures, petrol pumps have reportedly been instructed to limit how much fuel each vehicle can collect daily.
Transport operators say the restrictions are already affecting their ability to maintain normal schedules.
According to industry representatives, vehicles are currently permitted to refuel only once per day, making it difficult for many operators to run their full number of services.
As a result, some bus companies have begun cancelling trips or temporarily suspending advance ticket sales until the fuel supply situation becomes clearer.
The uncertainty has also created visible tension at major bus terminals in the capital.
At Gabtoli and Gulistan terminals, long queues have formed at ticket counters as passengers rush to secure seats ahead of the holiday travel period.
Some travellers arrived only to collect refunds after learning that their previously purchased tickets had been cancelled.
Frustration among passengers has also led to complaints about poor service at ticket counters, with several travellers alleging rude behaviour from staff as crowds continue to grow.
The government, however, has sought to reassure the public that there is no risk of fare increases or major disruption to Eid travel.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will take strict action against any operator found violating fare regulations.
“Under no circumstances will fuel prices be increased before Eid. There is also no opportunity for Eid travel to be disrupted or ticket prices to rise due to fears of a shortage,” the minister said.
He added that transport operators must adhere strictly to government-approved fares.
“A fixed fare has already been determined. If anyone charges even one taka more than the set fare, inform us.
Exemplary punishment will be given, and their route permit will be cancelled,” he said.
Transport owners, however, reject accusations that the disruptions are an attempt to manipulate fares.
According to several bus companies, the current problems stem from uncertainty over fuel supply rather than any deliberate strategy to increase ticket prices.
Industry representatives say planning operations during the Eid travel season has become difficult under the current conditions.
“Considering the current fuel situation, it is difficult for bus owners to decide right now whether to operate buses at full capacity.
However, if fuel supply becomes normal, it will be possible to put sufficient buses on the road,” a transport leader said.
Meanwhile, the government has moved to stabilise fuel supply through imports from neighbouring India.
Diesel shipments have begun arriving through the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline, which connects the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam with the Parbatipur depot in Dinajpur.
Officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said pumping of a 5,000-tonne diesel consignment started on 9 March and is expected to continue for around 44 hours before reaching the Parbatipur depot.
The cross-border pipeline, inaugurated in March 2023, allows diesel to be transported directly from India to Bangladesh, reducing transportation time and costs compared with previous rail deliveries.
Under the bilateral agreement, India supplies diesel to Bangladesh annually through the pipeline, with additional shipments currently under discussion to support the country’s fuel needs.
Authorities say oil imports are continuing according to schedule and that supplies are being distributed nationwide through rail wagons and tanker trucks to prevent shortages.
Nevertheless, transport operators warn that if fuel supply constraints persist, the impact may extend beyond road transport. Rail, river transport and other services could also face operational reductions if the situation does not improve.
For now, the government maintains that adequate fuel stocks are available and has urged the public to remain calm as preparations continue for one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
