Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has introduced temporary limits on fuel sales at filling stations across the country in an effort to prevent panic buying and ensure stable supply amid growing global tensions.
In a notification issued on Friday, the state-owned fuel authority announced that motorcycles will be allowed to purchase a maximum of 2 liters of petrol at a time, while private cars can buy up to 10 liters of petrol or octane per transaction.
The move comes as concerns grow over potential disruptions in global energy markets linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Officials said the directive aims to discourage stockpiling and maintain smooth distribution of fuel across the country.
According to BPC, Bangladesh relies heavily on imported petroleum products, with around 95% of the country’s fuel demand met through imports. Global crises or logistical challenges can occasionally affect supply chains, which has recently triggered concerns among consumers about fuel availability.
Authorities noted that rumors circulating on social media and in some media reports about fuel shortages had led to unusual demand, with both consumers and some dealers attempting to purchase larger quantities than normal.
To ensure fair distribution, the government has set specific limits for different types of vehicles:
- Motorcycles: up to 2 liters
- Private cars: up to 10 liters
- SUVs and microbuses: 20–25 liters
- Pickups and local buses (diesel): 70–80 liters
- Long-distance trucks and buses (diesel): 200–220 liters
BPC directive also introduced several conditions for fuel sales at filling stations.
Dealers must provide consumers with a purchase receipt indicating the type, quantity and price of fuel. When returning to the same station for another purchase, customers will be required to submit the original copy of the previous receipt.
Filling station operators must also submit daily stock and sales reports to their respective depots before lifting additional fuel supplies. Fuel marketing companies will review dealers’ inventory records and ensure that the quantity supplied does not exceed the allocation guidelines.
Officials reiterated that fuel must be sold strictly at government-fixed prices, warning that charging extra during a crisis is a punishable offence.
Fuel prices in Bangladesh are determined monthly by the government, and authorities said no decision has been taken to raise fuel prices despite the current international situation.
The government has urged both consumers and dealers to follow the new guidelines to help maintain normal fuel supply and distribution nationwide.
