A day after fuel prices were raised, Chattogram saw little relief at the pumps, with long queues persisting and, in some areas, growing even longer despite the higher costs.
From early Sunday morning, motorcycles, private cars, and commercial vehicles crowded filling stations across the city, with many customers waiting for hours amid supply shortages and limited service.
Around 10am, long lines stretched in front of QC Petrol Pump at Gani Bakery Mor. “I thought the price hike might reduce the crowd and make it easier to get fuel, but the situation is just as before, if anything, worse,” said a customer waiting under the scorching sun.
The government announced the fuel price hike late Saturday night, effective from Sunday, citing alignment with international market rates. Diesel rose by Tk15 to Tk115 per litre, kerosene by Tk18 to Tk130, octane by Tk20 to Tk140, and petrol by Tk19 to Tk135. The previous adjustment was made on February 1, 2026.
Crowds were observed at nearly all major pumps, including Foiz Ahmed Sons at Probotok Mor, Haji Yunus & Co in Panchlaish, Khan Brothers in Katalganj, Fossil Petrol Pump in Sholoshohor, and the Police Lines Pump in Dampara. Similar scenes were reported at Four Star Pump at CRB Mor and SK Kahm Pump at Lal Khan Bazar.
At several locations, notices indicated that octane or diesel was unavailable, with entry restricted using bamboo barriers, ropes, or wires.
Customers complained that despite the price hike, supply and service had not improved. A ride-sharing driver in Muradpur said he had been waiting nearly two hours. “With fuel prices rising, our income drops. If we spend hours at pumps, how are we supposed to run our households?” he said.
Many said they could not obtain their desired quantity of fuel even after long waits. In several cases, customers seeking 20 litres were supplied with only 8 to 10 litres.
Reactions were mixed. While some believed the price hike was meant to stabilise supply, most alleged that the shortage was artificially created.
At Sena Kallyan Petrol Pump on Bayezid Road, one customer said, “The government says reserves are sufficient, but pumps say octane is unavailable. Many have stopped selling diesel since last night.” Some stations also displayed notices suspending sales between 11pm and 6am.
Foiz Ahmed Pump manager Gias Uddin said diesel stocks had run out the previous day due to high demand, but supply has since resumed under a revised schedule. He expressed hope that the situation would gradually normalise. Pump staff said supply from Jamuna Oil Company has slightly increased.
Some customers attributed the situation to panic buying. “People rushed to fill their tanks after hearing about shortages – even those who still had fuel. We are partly creating this chaos ourselves,” said a private-sector employee.
The price rise has heightened concerns among low- and middle-income groups. A salaried commuter said rising fuel costs would push up transport fares and the prices of essential goods. “Our incomes are not increasing, but expenses are,” he said.
Many consumers fear that transport fares and commodity prices will rise beyond their reach, with higher fuel prices used as justification. Several also said the government appears preoccupied with other issues and inattentive to public hardship.
Marketing officials said rationing at depots has been eased following government directives. However, field observations suggest supply constraints remain, particularly for diesel, even where petrol or octane is available.
