Panic buying triggers long fuel queues across city

Motorists across the capital endured hours-long waits at filling stations on Monday as an unusual surge in demand, driven by panic buying, led to widespread queues and disruptions in fuel supply.

Long queues of cars, motorcycles, pick-ups and buses were seen at pumps, with drivers spending several hours to purchase octane, petrol and diesel, as well as refill compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

In many areas, queues stretched two to three kilometres, while some filling stations were forced to shut after running out of stock.

"I had to wait at least three hours to get fuel," said Shah Alam, a private car driver, at a filling station near Motijheel.

"We are facing immense suffering as refuelling is taking several hours and wasting valuable time," said Md Al Amin, a motorcyclist waiting at another pump in the area.

The situation has been triggered by panic buying, fuelled by fears of supply disruption following tensions in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The government, however, has repeatedly said there is no actual shortage of fuel in the country.

Energy officials attributed the long queues to a sudden spike in demand over the past few days, driven by public anxiety.

Despite official assurances of adequate stock, fears of a potential shortage have led to widespread hoarding behaviour, forcing several pumps to close early after exhausting supplies.

To regulate distribution and prevent hoarding, authorities have introduced a pilot QR code-based "fuel pass" system at selected filling stations in the capital.

However, many customers complained that they were unable to register on the designated app due to server issues.

The disruption has affected transport movement and intensified congestion in key areas, including Tejgaon and Mohakhali, as motorists crowd the remaining operational stations.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com