Fuel Sales Restricted Amid Global Crisis: BPC Issues New Guidelines
In response to the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing U.S.–Israel conflict in Iran, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has imposed strict limits on retail fuel sales to safeguard national energy security.
According to a directive signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana, filling stations across the country must now enforce daily purchase limits:
-
Motorcycles: maximum 2 liters
-
Private cars: maximum 10 liters
-
SUVs/jeeps/microbuses: 20–25 liters
-
Pickups/local buses: 70–80 liters
-
Long-distance buses, trucks, covered vans, container trucks: 200–220 liters
The order, effective Friday, aims to curb panic buying and unauthorized stockpiling. Officials noted that Bangladesh imports nearly 95% of its fuel, and disruptions in global supply chains have heightened public anxiety. Reports suggest some dealers and consumers were attempting to hoard fuel beyond their needs, prompting the government’s intervention.
BPC reassured citizens that scheduled imports are continuing and buffer stocks are being built. Rail wagons and tankers are distributing fuel nationwide to maintain steady supply.
The directive also sets compliance rules:
-
Filling stations must issue receipts specifying fuel type, quantity, and price.
-
Consumers must present their previous receipt when refueling.
-
Dealers must strictly follow allocation limits.
-
Stations must report stock and sales data to depots before replenishment.
-
Oil marketing companies will verify dealer data before authorizing supply.
Authorities emphasized that fuel prices remain unchanged and warned that charging above government-fixed rates is a punishable offense. Prices are reviewed monthly, and no increase has been approved during the current crisis.
The government has urged all consumers and dealers to cooperate with the restrictions to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply nationwide.
DBTech/JNO/EK
