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A number of fuel pumps in the capital suspended operations on Saturday as they ran out of petrol and octane amid a surge in panic buying.
Visits by The Financial Express found fuel pump entrances blocked with ropes and signs stating, "No petrol or octane." Many motorists waited at the gates hoping for a refill but left utterly disappointed.
"I took fuel on Friday, but my bike ran out. There is no way to go without fuel, so I am just standing here," said Md Monir, a biker at a Motijheel petrol pump.
He added that he eventually refuelled after waiting one and a half hours.
Md Sanwar, a commuter at Meghna Filling Station opposite Dhaka College, said, "I have visited four different pumps since morning, and all of them are empty. The search for fuel is actually wasting more of the little I have left in our tanks."
At Meghna Filling Station, bamboo poles blocked the entrance, preventing vehicles from entering.
A staff member said that while people had been coming for fuel, most were leaving without any. Fuel might arrive later in the afternoon, after which dispensing could resume.
In contrast, the Tikatuli Pump reported normal supply. Drivers of motorcycles and other vehicles were seen waiting briefly in line before refuelling.
"We have no fuel crisis here. There is sufficient fuel, so motorcycles and other vehicles are being served regularly," a staff member said.
Government officials earlier stated that fuel reserves are adequate, but the sudden doubling of demand has overwhelmed local distribution. The situation has been further exacerbated by consumers stockpiling fuel in response to the Iran crisis.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com