Long queues for fuel across Dhaka have become a daily struggle for residents, as motorists stand in line for long hours, often to face disappointment when fuel runs out.
Sujon Islam, a 46-year-old app-based motorbike driver, spent a grueling 10 hours waiting at SM Pubali Filling Station in Motijheel on Friday night, hoping to fill his tank. He arrived at 8pm and, after hours of waiting, was told at around 6am the next morning that the station had no fuel left. With only two motorcycles ahead of him, Sujon was frustrated as the staff informed him that there was nothing they could do.
With barely a litre of fuel left in his bike, Sujon is left wondering how he will support his family, despite government claims of “record-high, European-standard” fuel reserves. His experience highlights the increasing frustration among Dhaka’s residents as they face long waits at fuel stations across the capital.
At various locations, including Madhumita Hall in Motijheel and Bijoy Sarani, long queues have disrupted traffic and caused severe congestion. One motorist, Imon Khan, waiting at Army Trust pump in Bijoy Sarani for over 12 hours, questioned the government’s repeated assurances of no shortage.
“Why are people waiting in line for 12 hours if there’s no shortage?” he said, adding that the situation makes clear that the government’s policies are failing to address the growing demand.
Traffic has been severely affected, with queues occupying large portions of roads and blocking key intersections. Ruhul Amin, a traffic police officer near the Mohakhali rail crossing, confirmed that the situation was worsening, causing significant disruptions to both traffic flow and public safety.
Petrol stations are struggling to meet the demand, with limits on the amount of fuel each vehicle can receive. At Talukdar Filling Station near Asad Gate, the station manager, Tanmoy Barai, reported that the daily allocation of 13,500 litres was far less than the demand, resulting in motorcycles receiving just Tk500 worth of fuel per visit while those with a “fuel pass” can receive up to Tk1,000.
Cars with “fuel passes” are allotted up to Tk2,000 worth of fuel.
Authorities have ramped up security at fuel stations, fearing that public frustration could lead to unrest. Police officers, including sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, are now stationed at key pumps such as Sonar Bangla and Talukdar stations.
In response to the crisis, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has launched a QR code-based fuel pass app in an effort to manage the demand. The pilot programme, which began on Saturday, will be implemented at 11 petrol stations across Dhaka.
The stations include Karim and Sons in Shyamoli, Eastern Enterprise Filling Station in Mirpur-1, Gazipur Traders in Uttara, Sattar and Company in Tejgaon Industrial Area, Rahman Filling Station in Mirpur-10, Karim and Brothers in Tejgaon, Rashid Filling Station in Mohakhali, BRB Filling Station in Tejgaon, Seba Filling Station in Badda, Hamid Filling Station in Mirpur, and Sumaiya Filling Station in Kazipara, Mirpur.
Guidelines have been issued for app users.
Despite the government’s technological solution, the fuel crisis continues to cause severe inconvenience, leaving many motorists frustrated and concerned about their ability to meet daily transportation needs.
