Motorcycle sales in Bangladesh dropped about 21 per cent year-on-year in March as fuel shortages disrupted showroom operations and discouraged buyers, industry insiders said.
The Eid ul Fitr season, which usually drives strong demand, failed to lift sales beyond 55,000 units, down from around 70,000 units in the same month last year.
Sales, however, recovered from February’s 34,000 units, suggesting some seasonal demand despite the crisis.
Industry insiders said the fuel shortage has also sharply reduced after-sales activity, with maintenance services falling significantly as riders cut travel.
“Sales have slowed, and maintenance services have dropped by nearly half due to the fuel situation,” said a senior official of a leading motorcycle brand, requesting anonymity.
Bangladesh Honda Private Limited Chief Marketing Officer Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman said the full impact on sales may emerge in the coming days, as Eid-driven purchases masked early disruptions.
“Another challenge is delivery, as customers need fuel to take bikes home, and some showrooms cannot provide that now,” he said.
He added that service operations have taken a bigger hit, as many customers—especially from rural areas—are unable to travel 30 to 40 kilometres for maintenance due to fuel shortages.
“Service centre activity has already declined by around 20 per cent,” he added.
At the retail level, Dhaka-based showroom operators said sales have held up so far, but operational challenges are mounting.
“At my showroom, sales remain stable, but providing fuel at delivery has become difficult,” said a capital-based showroom manager Md Shahriar Islam.
“Earlier, we provided two litres of fuel, now it is down to one litre, and even that requires long queues at stations,” he added.
He said maintenance services at his outlet have dropped by around 30 per cent, partly because fewer people travelled during Eid this year.
Outside Dhaka, the impact has been sharper.
Panchagarh-based Kamlesh Traders Manager Ahsan Habib said his showroom sold only three motorcycles since the fuel shortage began, down from a typical 30 to 40 units a month.
He added that the newly introduced fuel card system could further slow sales, as dealers can no longer purchase fuel in jerry cans for delivery.
Magura-based FL Enterprise Owner Faruqe Ahmed said his sales have fallen to one-third of normal levels, while service demand dropped to one-fifth.
“Customers are asking for fuel support before coming for service,” he said.
Industry officials said uncertainty around fuel supply and broader financial concerns have led many buyers to delay purchases.
A senior official of another brand said expected Eid-season sales—typically 35 to 40 per cent of annual volumes—remained stuck at around 25 per cent.
“Customer interest is subdued, and many may wait before buying,” he added.
