Pump Owners Issue Shutdown Warning Over Lack of Security

Unrest is increasing at petrol pumps across the country after the introduction of a rationing system for fuel supply. In this situation, pump owners have demanded that the government quickly ensure security and increase the supply of fuel. At the same time, they have warned that if effective measures are not taken to control the situation, they may take strict decisions such as shutting down pump operations.

These remarks were made by Mohammad Nazmul Haque, President of the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association, at an emergency press conference held on Wednesday at a hotel on Siddheswari Circular Road in the capital.

He said that due to recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and instability in the international supply system, the government has introduced a rationing system for fuel sales. Pump owners are implementing the system in accordance with government directives. However, on one hand the government claims that the country has sufficient fuel reserves, while on the other hand it is instructing pumps to sell fuel within set limits. This dual position has created confusion among the general public.

Nazmul Haque said that rumors spreading on social media and campaigns suggesting that “fuel is running out” have led people to rush to petrol pumps. Many are trying to keep their vehicle tanks full, creating pressure on the normal supply system and leading to long queues and disorder in many places.

The press conference also stated that tensions are increasing in different parts of the country due to reduced fuel supply, and incidents of attacks have occurred in some locations. According to the organization, a pump employee was recently stabbed in Sunamganj. As a result, concerns over the safety of employees have increased.

Pump owners complained that although there is a directive to supply 10 percent less fuel compared to 2025 sales, in reality the supply is even lower than that. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles and fuel consumption has increased by about 30 percent, making the shortage more severe in practice.

Pump owners also criticized the government directive allowing ride-sharing motorcycles to receive 5 liters of octane after meeting certain conditions. According to them, verifying the required documents will take time and could increase tension and disorder among other customers waiting in line.

They also alleged that during monitoring operations, when mobile courts conduct raids accompanied by law enforcement agencies, pump owners are being socially humiliated.

To address the current situation, the organization has put forward an eight-point demand. These include deploying army personnel alongside police at petrol pumps, increasing fuel supply, ensuring equal distribution of fuel among both large and small pumps, and taking strict action against illegal hoarding.

The pump owners’ association warned that if these demands are not implemented quickly, they may be forced to suspend pump operations. This could further complicate the country’s fuel supply situation.