App-Based Fuel Distribution Drives Digital Discipline
The government has launched a pilot initiative to sell fuel through the ‘Fuel Pass’ app at two petrol pumps in the capital, Dhaka, in a bid to bring discipline to fuel distribution. The two stations are Sonar Bangla Filling Station in the Asadgate area and Trust Filling Station in Tejgaon.
This information was disclosed on Thursday, April 9, at a press conference held at the Secretariat on the overall fuel situation by Monir Hossain Chowdhury, Spokesperson of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and Joint Secretary (Operations Wing).
He said, “We have started pilot operations at two filling stations—one at Sonar Bangla in Asadgate and another at Trust Filling Station in Tejgaon. There has already been a strong response, with many users registering. I believe the number of registrations has exceeded 10,000.”
He further stated that, in the initial phase of this pilot program, priority is being given to motorcycle users. Although the entire process is time-consuming, there are plans to gradually bring all petrol pumps in Dhaka under this system.
The spokesperson also noted that there are plans to eventually roll out this digital method nationwide.
The Joint Secretary added, “This process will take some time. We have started with motorcycles at two filling stations. Hopefully, we will gradually be able to cover the entire city of Dhaka. After that, we will attempt to expand it nationwide.”
According to analysts, the introduction of an app-based fuel distribution system is expected to reduce congestion at pumps, irregularities, and overpricing, while enhancing transparency in fuel management.
The Energy Division stated that manual processes in fuel distribution are causing delays and various inefficiencies. Despite adequate fuel supply, long queues of vehicles are being observed at filling stations. Additionally, individuals are reportedly rejoining queues multiple times to collect more fuel than necessary, creating an artificial shortage.
To address these challenges, the proposed digital system will fully automate the fuel distribution process and bring it under real-time monitoring. The app will be integrated with the BRTA central database.
The Energy Division also mentioned that customers without smartphones will be able to register via a website and download and print their QR codes. Under this system, filling station operators will distribute fuel only after making digital entries. Customers will receive fuel through QR code scanning and will also be able to view their pre-allocated quota.
Furthermore, through a central dashboard, the national-level fuel supply and distribution status can be monitored in real time. The implementation of this initiative is expected to enhance transparency, reduce irregularities and wastage, and enable effective fuel management during crisis periods.
DBTech/DTO/EK/OR
