Dhaka, April 20 (NationPress) The fuel crisis in Bangladesh is escalating as soaring prices lead to long lines at petrol stations due to panic buying, significantly disrupting daily routines. This situation persists despite local media reports stating that authorities have assured a steady fuel supply.

The government officially announced the price increases via a gazette notification from the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Division on April 18, attributing it to rising trends in the global oil market.

New prices include an increase of Bangladeshi taka (Tk) 15 per litre for diesel, Tk 20 for octane, Tk 19 for petrol, and Tk 18 for kerosene, which came into effect on Sunday night.

Many individuals, including personal vehicle owners, public transport providers, and small business operators, are reportedly spending hours in line to refuel, resulting in substantial losses in productivity and income.

Abdul Karim, a ride-sharing driver from Mirpur, expressed that the extended wait times have adversely affected his earnings. “I usually complete 12 to 14 trips a day, but now I lose two to three hours just waiting for fuel. My daily income has fallen by nearly 30%,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.

Shahana Begum, a school teacher from Uttara, shared her frustration over managing daily commutes: “I waited nearly an hour and a half to refuel last night. It’s increasingly stressful to plan my day since the queue lengths are unpredictable,” she added.

A senior official from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) explained that short-term distribution changes and a spike in demand have strained operations. “While there's no nationwide fuel shortage, demand has surged recently. Some stations are experiencing supply issues due to transport scheduling challenges,” the official stated under anonymity when speaking to Dhaka Tribune.

During a press briefing in Dhaka, Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku referred to the situation as “wartime,” noting that adjustments in global markets have already occurred. “Fuel purchases must be made with foreign currency. By slightly raising prices, we aim to maintain stability,” he said, acknowledging the global repercussions of ongoing conflicts.

M. Shamsul Alam, an energy advisor to the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, criticized the fuel price hike as a betrayal of public trust, pointing out that the government had assured citizens against mid-month price increases. “By disregarding their monthly adjustment policy, they have compromised their credibility,” he commented.

Despite official claims of no national fuel shortage, the ongoing long queues at petrol stations highlight the flaws within the distribution framework and diminishing public trust. Experts warn that without improvements in logistics, enhanced communication, and long-term energy strategies, similar crises are likely to recur, particularly amid global market fluctuations.