Mustafa Labib; DHAKA – The escalating conflict in the Middle East has cast a shadow over Bangladesh’s fuel supply, triggering widespread uncertainty and chaos.
In the capital, day-long queues of motorcycles and cars at petrol pumps have become a common sight, with vehicles spilling over onto main roads and causing massive traffic gridlocks across the city.
City at a Standstill
A survey of 10 petrol pumps in areas including Paltan, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Moghbazar, and Motijheel on Thursday revealed that eight were surrounded by massive tailbacks.
At the Ramna Filling Station near Matsya Bhaban, the queue stretched past the Shilpakala Academy toward the Press Club, effectively shutting down an entire lane.
“I’ve been waiting since 5:30 AM,” said Abdul Kader, a driver stuck in the Paltan area. “It’s 10:00 AM now, and I still haven’t reached the nozzle. The wait is killing my workday, and the traffic is making it worse.”
The situation is equally dire in Motijheel, where the line from the Madhumita Cinema hall pump extended past the Ittefaq intersection toward Gopibagh.
In Tejgaon and Mohakhali, the concentration of multiple pumps has brought the Moghbazar-Mouchak flyover to a virtual standstill.
Police on High Alert
In response to the growing chaos, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar has issued strict directives to maintain order.
During a monthly crime review meeting, field-level officers were instructed to monitor petrol pumps closely to prevent skirmishes and manage traffic flow where vehicles are occupying multiple lanes.
Nationwide Crisis
The shortage isn’t confined to Dhaka. In Narayanganj, over 50 pumps are either partially or fully closed due to lack of supply. In Magura and Chapainawabganj, the crisis has moved beyond transport to the agricultural sector.
Farmers are struggling to secure diesel for irrigation, leaving croplands parched and risking the current harvest.
Despite the “Fuel Pass” system being active in Dhaka, users report little relief, often waiting hours only to find the pumps have run dry before their turn.