Panic Buying Sparks Long Queues at Chattogram Fuel Stations

After news spread about the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, vehicle queues have increased at several filling stations in Chittagong city. Many drivers are filling their tanks in advance, fearing a possible supply disruption or price hike. As a result, long lines have formed at multiple pumps.

On Saturday (March 7) morning, a line of vehicles stretched from inside the pump to the road at the QC Trading Limited filling station at the Gani Bakery intersection in the city. A similar situation was seen at a filling station in Chandgaon, where staff struggled to manage the additional pressure of vehicles.

Sources say the number of vehicles at pumps in areas such as Panchlaish, Sholashahar, Oxygen and Notun Bridge is much higher than usual. Most drivers are filling their tanks fully, causing fuel stocks at some pumps to decline faster than normal due to increased sales.

Pump employees said that 1.5 to 2 times more vehicles than usual are arriving for fuel. Since many drivers are filling their tanks completely, it takes longer to serve each vehicle, which is increasing the queues.

Currently, diesel is being sold at Tk 100 per litre, kerosene at Tk 112, octane at Tk 120 and petrol at Tk 116 at filling stations.

However, authorities say there is no shortage of fuel. Salim Ullah, an operator of a filling station in Chandgaon, said their pumps have sufficient stock and prices have not increased. He noted that many customers are buying more fuel than needed due to panic.

Padma Oil Managing Director Md. Mofizur Rahman said the fuel supply is normal as per government instructions and there is no crisis. He urged people not to create an artificial shortage by buying unnecessary extra fuel.

Jamuna Oil Company Limited Managing Director Engineer Md. Amir Masud also said the country’s fuel supply remains stable and reports of a crisis are not accurate.