Govt tests QR-based fuel distribution system

The government has launched a pilot programme of a QR code-based mobile application aimed at streamlining fuel distribution, reducing irregularities, and ensuring greater transparency in a sector affected by global supply uncertainties.

Developed under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the “Fuel Pass” app is initially being introduced for motorcycle users at two fuel stations in Dhaka — Trust Filling Station near Bijoy Sarani and Sonar Bangla Filling Station at Asad Gate.

The initiative is being implemented by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

Officials said the pilot phase is intended to test system efficiency before a nationwide rollout covering all types of vehicles.

The launch comes amid continued volatility in global fuel supply chains, driven in part by the ongoing US–Israel war on Iran.

Authorities noted that long queues at fuel stations continue despite adequate national stock, attributing the situation to inefficiencies in manual distribution and repeated fuel collection by some users.

The Fuel Pass app is expected to address these issues by digitally tracking distribution and ensuring fair fuel allocation.

The system will be integrated with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) database, linking fuel allocation to specific vehicle registrations.

Users will receive a QR code linked to their vehicle, which will be scanned at filling stations to record purchases.

Consumers will be able to view their allocated quotas, while a central monitoring dashboard will allow authorities to track supply and consumption in real time.

To ensure wider access, individuals without smartphones will be able to register through the official website (https://fuelpass.gov.bd/) and download or print their QR codes.

Energy Division Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury briefed reporters at the Secretariat on Friday, saying the digital platform would help reduce misuse, improve efficiency, and strengthen fuel management, particularly during periods of crisis.

He urged stakeholders to support its rapid expansion.

Meanwhile, fuel imports have been increased to ease recent supply pressures.

A shipment of 26,000 tonnes of refined octane arrived at Chattogram Port aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker MT Central Star from Malaysia on Wednesday night.

Port Secretary Syed Rafayet Hossain said five vessels carrying octane, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Malaysia, India and China have already arrived, with more consignments expected. BPC is scheduled to unload the cargoes as planned.

According to BPC, 34,000 tonnes of diesel from Malaysia and around 7,500 tonnes of LPG from India, China and Malaysia have recently arrived.

Contracts signed in March cover imports of 440,000 tonnes of diesel and 200,000 tonnes of crude oil, although some shipments were delayed due to the war.

Officials said that with a ceasefire improving vessel movement, supply is expected to stabilise.

The country has faced a severe octane shortage over the past month, forcing motorists to queue for hours at filling stations. Meanwhile, enforcement drives have been intensified.

On 8 April alone, authorities conducted 361 nationwide operations, recovering 1,362 litres of illegally hoarded fuel.

A total of 192 cases were filed, two individuals were jailed, and fines totalling Tk 579,050 were imposed.

Between 3 March and 8 April, authorities carried out 7,342 drives, recovering 469,042 litres of fuel. During this period, 3,011 cases were filed, 36 people were jailed, and fines amounting to Tk 14.384 million were imposed.

Despite pressure at retail stations, officials said national reserves remain sufficient. As of 9 April, the country held 143,143 tonnes of diesel, 16,812 tonnes of petrol, and 9,569 tonnes of octane in stock.

“There is no shortage of diesel,” Monir Hossain Chowdhury said, attributing pressure at stations largely to panic buying. “Fuel is being supplied regularly in line with demand.”

He added, “The government has secured sufficient fuel supply for the next two months, and there will be no shortage.”