Power, Fuel, Politics in Spotlight: Panic buying hits despite adequate fuel supply

The entire country is currently witnessing a chaotic fuel-buying frenzy, with long queues at filling stations across the country, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and several major district towns.

The crisis, fueled by panic and misinformation, has created an artificial shortage despite the government assuring that fuel supplies remain sufficient.

Reports of fuel depletion circulating on different media including social media have triggered a wave of fear among consumers, prompting many to rush from one station to another to fill their vehicle tanks.

Motorists, particularly in urban centers, are enduring hours-long waits, while some districts are seeing a scramble to obtain government-issued “fuel cards,” which are now required to purchase petrol and diesel.

“We are already developing an app and hope to test the system in one or two locations very soon,” said Monir Hossain Chowdhury, joint secretary of the Energy Division.

He was referring to the government’s plan to introduce a QR code–based digital fuel pass system from April, aimed at regulating sales, curbing panic buying, and easing pressure on the country’s fuel distribution network.

The government has consistently emphasised that there is no actual shortage of fuel. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku reiterated this during a parliamentary session on Thursday.

“There is no shortage in fuel supply, but panic buying has led to long queues at filling stations,” the minister said during the seventh sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad.

However, public reassurance has struggled to calm widespread anxiety.

Cumilla-4 lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah expressed concerns about petrol pumps shutting down in Sylhet and long lines in multiple areas, accusing the government of delaying acknowledgment of the crisis.

Minister Iqbal Hassan responded by noting that the recent surge in demand, driven by developments in Iran and the Middle East, has caused fuel stocks to deplete in as little as two hours – where previously, supplies lasted a day or more.

The panic-buying behaviour has led to a fivefold increase in fuel demand in some areas, with consumption jumping to over 20,000 tonnes against the normal 12,000–13,000 tonnes.

Many filling stations have been forced to impose restrictions, allowing only limited purchases – for instance, Tk 100–200 worth for motorcycles – to manage the rush.

Compounding the situation, reports indicate that some individuals and unscrupulous actors are hoarding fuel illegally, anticipating a spike in prices until the Middle East crisis stabilises.

Law enforcement agencies and local administrations have conducted raids across the country, uncovering hoarded fuel in various locations and cracking down on such practices.

Authorities have warned that violators will face swift action, including the deployment of mobile courts to inspect filling stations and punish offenders.

The international media has taken note of Bangladesh’s fuel-buying chaos, warning that the situation appears serious even though actual supplies remain adequate.

The government insists these reports exaggerate the severity of the problem, stressing that daily fuel deliveries continue uninterrupted to petrol pumps nationwide.

While urban centers are visibly affected, districts are also feeling the strain. In many areas, motorcyclists and small vehicle owners have been rushing to government offices to collect fuel cards, fearing they may be denied fuel without one.

The situation is especially tense in Sylhet, Rajshahi Division, and other districts, where long lines and shortages have sparked frustration among residents.

To address the crisis, the government is implementing both short-term and long-term measures.

In the immediate term, fuel distribution continues daily, and strict monitoring of filling stations is underway to prevent hoarding.

In the medium term, the introduction of a digital fuel pass system with QR codes is expected to regulate sales more efficiently and discourage panic buying.

Energy officials and law enforcement authorities have also emphasised public cooperation.

Consumers are urged to avoid panic buying, as over-purchasing worsens the perceived shortage and places unnecessary stress on the distribution network.

Citizens are encouraged to follow official announcements from the Energy Division and reliable news sources for accurate information. Instances of hoarding, overcharging, or other irregularities should be promptly reported to authorities.

Several factors have contributed to the current situation. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has heightened fears over future fuel supplies, prompting a rush to fill tanks.

Logistics and distribution challenges have further intensified the problem, as the sudden spike in demand overwhelms the supply chain, causing temporary shortages at individual stations.

Minister Tuku urged calm, highlighting that the panic is largely psychological rather than real.

“Fuel is being supplied to pumps every day,” he stressed. “The claim that petrol is not being delivered is incorrect.”

Country’s current fuel crisis is less a reflection of supply constraints and more a product of panic-induced demand.

However, experts said that the government should be caution enough in the supply of fuel and energy until the war situation in the Middle East comes down.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Shop Business Owners Association (BSBOA) on Thursday announced that all shops, shopping malls and commercial establishments across the country will remain closed by 8pm in a bid to conserving electricity and fuel amid the ongoing situation, said a press release.

President of the Association Nazmul Hasan Mahmud said that both BSBOA and Dhaka Metropolitan Shop Owners Association in a joint meeting have decided to close all shops, commercial outlets and shopping malls by 8pm because of energy shortage.

The government has also instructed to be cautious in using energy amid this situation.