Dhaka Tribune
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the government has announced the holiday schedule, prompting a rush of travelers leaving the capital early to avoid traffic congestion.
Advance bus and train tickets have already sold out, but rising concerns over fuel availability are adding a new layer of anxiety for commuters.
Rising oil prices, fueled by geopolitical tensions in Iran, have compelled the government to procure fuel from the spot market at higher rates. In response to the ongoing shortage, authorities have introduced a rationing system for the transport sector. While officials insist that there is no fuel crisis, the reality on the ground appears different, with many vehicles unable to obtain fuel and drivers facing hours-long queues at petrol pumps.
The Ministry of Energy is expected to announce a new decision on fuel rationing on Saturday.
Transport owners and drivers report that fixed fuel allocations at pumps in and around the capital are insufficient to meet demand. Some pumps are supplying less than the required quantity, forcing vehicles to adhere strictly to allocated limits. With vehicle traffic typically increasing ahead of Eid, an insufficient fuel supply could disrupt normal transportation operations and passenger services.
Government authorities, however, said that the country has adequate fuel stocks and that measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply. Monitoring has been intensified across various locations to keep operations running smoothly.
Despite these assurances, large numbers of people have already begun leaving the capital for Eid, putting pressure on bus terminals, railway stations, and highways. The limited fuel supply has begun to affect long-distance bus services, with rationing and long queues causing delays.
Transport companies report that several buses in their fleets have been unable to operate on scheduled days due to fuel shortages and prolonged waits at petrol pumps.
As the holiday season intensifies, travelers and transport operators alike are closely watching the government’s next move on fuel rationing, hoping for a resolution that ensures smooth Eid travel.
Transport operators in Bangladesh have raised alarms over a limited diesel supply at many fuel stations, a situation that is disrupting long-distance bus services ahead of the Eid holiday. Drivers are reportedly unable to fill their tanks fully, and the extra time spent refueling along routes is affecting scheduled operations. With passenger demand expected to surge during the festive period, transport owners fear the situation could worsen.
Mizanur Rahman Ratan, joint convener of the Bangladesh Petrol Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, said, “The concern remains. The government claims there is no fuel crisis, but in reality, if we request 9,000 liters, we are given only four liters. Fuel runs out as soon as vehicles arrive because hundreds are already waiting. Frustrated customers often take it out on us, and some pump owners have even closed stations fearing mob unrest.”
He added, “Recently, a bus owner complained that his bus could not return from Sylhet because the driver could not get fuel. If this continues, long Eid journeys will be very difficult. The government should take immediate action to resolve the issue.”
Md. Nazmul Haque, president of the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association, warned, “If the problem is not resolved by Sunday, Eid travel will become extremely difficult. The government claims there is no crisis, but fuel is being rationed in anticipation of future shortages. At the very least, rationing should be suspended during Eid to prevent major inconvenience to passengers; otherwise, the situation could become severe.”
Long queues of private vehicles at fuel stations are reportedly causing delays of two to three hours. The pressure on buses and private cars is expected to rise further during the holiday.
The fuel shortage is not limited to road transport. Launches, steamers, and speedboats are also facing difficulties due to insufficient diesel and octane fuel, raising concerns over Eid travel by waterways.
Source: https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/power-energy/405462/concerns-rise-over-potential-energy-crisis-ahead
