Fuel supply improves after price hike
Queues at fuel stations in Dhaka and Chattogram have begun to shorten, offering relief to commuters after days of long wait, as increased supply and a recent price hike appear to have eased pressure on the market.
On-the-ground visits on April 21 showed a noticeable decline in congestion at filling stations across the capital. At around 8:30 a.m. in the Asad Gate area, the number of motorcycles waiting in line at a station was nearly half of what it had been two days earlier. Similar conditions were observed in Kallyanpur, Technical, and Gabtoli, where waiting times have also dropped.
The government raised fuel prices by Tk15 to Tk20 per litre on April 18, citing volatility in global energy markets linked to the ongoing Iran war. Industry insiders say the higher prices have helped curb demand, while improved supply has gradually restored balance at the retail level.
Motorcyclist Hamidul Islam, waiting at a filling station in the Technical area, said the situation has improved significantly. “Previously, one had to wait nearly 10 hours to get fuel; now it is available within two hours. The crowd has decreased slightly after the price hike,” he said.
Fuel station operators confirmed that diesel supply is now relatively stable, although octane shortages persist in some areas. Many stations resumed sales around midday after receiving fresh consignments in the morning.
At a filling station in the Technical area between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., around 30 motorcycles and a similar number of cars were seen waiting, though the queues were moving steadily.
Car driver Firoz Bhuiyan said he had been in line for about 40 minutes, a marked improvement compared to previous days when waiting times stretched for hours.
Stakeholders say the combination of reduced demand following the price increase and a gradual rise in supply has eased pressure at fuel stations. However, they cautioned that the situation may not fully stabilise until supply returns to normal levels.
A similar trend was observed in Chattogram, where increased deliveries have helped reduce congestion at filling stations. While queues of cars and motorcycles remain, they are moving more smoothly than before, according to customers.
At a filling station in the Goni Bakery area, motorcyclist Riadul Islam said he was able to refuel after waiting around 20 minutes. “Earlier, I visited several pumps but could not get a full tank. Today, I managed to get fuel much more quickly,” he said.
Operators in the port city also reported a significant increase in supply. FK Badal, a supervisor at a local filling station, said deliveries have nearly doubled.
“Previously, we received one-and-a-half to two truckloads of fuel. Now it has risen to three to four truckloads,” he said, adding that the station received one truck of octane and three of diesel on Tuesday.
He said fuel is now being supplied without strict limits to private vehicles, while diesel is also being provided in controlled quantities for generators and emergency use in hospitals and clinics.
Market observers believe that if the increased supply continues, the fuel market could return to normal within the next few days, easing disruptions that had strained commuters and transport operators in both cities.
