BPC expands fuel quota for ride-sharing bikes to support urban mobility

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has revised the daily fuel refuelling limit for ride-sharing motorcycles to five litres, providing a critical cushion for the gig economy amidst a tightening global supply chain. 

This decision follows recent volatility in the Middle East, which has disrupted international energy markets and prompted the government to implement strategic rationing to sustain domestic reserves for a longer duration. 

While general motorcycle users remain under a stricter cap—previously restricted to fuel worth Tk 200 daily—the new directive specifically targets motorcycles operating under ride-sharing services within metropolitan areas.

In a formal notification issued on Tuesday, the state-owned petroleum regulator clarified that these ride-sharing operators can now purchase up to five litres of octane or petrol per day. 

To ensure the integrity of this expanded quota, the BPC has mandated a rigorous verification process at filling stations. Fuel will only be dispensed after matching the motorcycle’s registration number and the driver’s credentials with their respective ride-sharing applications. 

Furthermore, riders are required to collect a formal receipt detailing the fuel type and volume, which must be surrendered during the subsequent refueling to maintain an audit trail.

The broader rationing framework remains in place for other vehicle segments to manage the current inventory efficiently. 

According to the BPC guidelines, private cars are permitted 10 litres of fuel daily, while sport utility vehicles and microbuses are allocated between 20 and 25 litres. The logistics and public transport sectors have been granted higher limits to prevent a total breakdown of the supply chain, with local buses and pickups allowed 70 to 80 litres of diesel. Long-haul transport, including trucks, covered vans, and container movers, is entitled to a daily maximum of 200 to 220 litres.

Addressing market concerns regarding potential price hikes, the BPC emphasised that all fuel oil must be sold strictly at government-fixed prices. 

The agency warned that any attempt to inflate prices under the pretext of the current crisis is a punishable legal offence, noting that the government has not reached any decision to increase the retail price of fuel.

 This stance aims to curb inflationary pressures on the transport sector and protect consumers from unauthorised price gouging during the transition period.

Despite the domestic restrictions, the BPC maintained that the overall supply outlook remains stable as international import schedules are being strictly followed.

 Regular shipments are arriving at the ports as planned, and the agency is actively moving fuel from primary installations to regional depots across the country using rail wagons and tankers. 

By prioritising the ride-sharing sector while maintaining a cap on private consumption, the government seeks to balance the necessity of urban mobility with the broader goal of conserving foreign exchange reserves and managing energy security.

sajibur@gmail.com