Petrol pump owners across Bangladesh have issued a stark warning that fuel stations nationwide could be forced to shut down if the ongoing supply crisis is not addressed urgently. The alert comes amid growing concerns over inadequate fuel distribution and rising pressure on filling stations. According to the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association, the current supply of fuel being provided by oil companies is insufficient to meet the surging demand from consumers. This imbalance has led to long queues at petrol stations, with motorists especially motorcycle users waiting for hours to refuel. 

The association described the situation as critical, noting that pump workers are facing extreme stress due to continuous operations and increasing tensions among customers. In several cases, staff have had to deal with overcrowding and disputes at stations, raising concerns about safety and security.

Owners also highlighted that the situation is being worsened by panic buying and alleged hoarding, where some individuals are purchasing fuel multiple times a day and reselling it at higher prices. This has further strained already limited supplies and disrupted normal distribution. The crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of global energy instability, partly linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting fuel supply chains. In Bangladesh, this has triggered fears of shortages, prompting consumers to rush to filling stations and intensifying the pressure on the system.

The association has urged the government to take immediate steps to ensure adequate fuel supply and improve security at petrol pumps. Without swift intervention, they warned, a nationwide shutdown of filling stations could become unavoidable, potentially disrupting daily life and economic activities across the country.