Fuel is now being sold under a rationing system at filling stations across Chattogram following the deployment of ‘tag officers’ to monitor supply.
The initiative has been implemented by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to ensure proper distribution of government-supplied fuel.
Earlier, authorities introduced the system of assigning one tag officer to each petrol pump nationwide to closely oversee fuel transportation and supply from depots to stations.
Mohammad Mainuddin, member secretary of the Chattogram division of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, told The Business Standard that there is no actual shortage of fuel at stations.
“Dealers are supplying fuel according to demand and the overall supply remains normal. However, the main issue is that many people are purchasing excess fuel and stockpiling it, which is creating additional pressure on pumps,” he said, urging consumers to be more aware.
On the ground, several stations were seen enforcing limits. At a filling station in the Gani Bakery area, a notice stated that cars, microbuses and SUVs would receive fuel worth a maximum of Tk2,000, while motorcycles were limited to Tk500.
According to the station’s accounts manager, the Meghna depot supplied 18 tonnes of octane and 9 tonnes of diesel, which are being sold under the rationing system.
A similar situation was observed at another filling station on Jubilee Road, where motorcycles are being given fuel worth up to Tk500 and cars up to Tk1,000.
Diesel sales at the station are currently suspended. The accounts manager said 9 tonnes of octane were received from the Meghna depot on 25 March, and due to high demand, rationing has been introduced.
Meanwhile, at another filling station in the city, government vehicles were seen receiving full fuel supplies, while privately owned vehicles were being served in limited quantities. Many customers had to leave without getting fuel due to high demand.
Customers expressed frustration over the long wait. One customer said he had been waiting in line for over 30 minutes, while another noted that stricter action by authorities could quickly ease the situation, alleging that hoarding is taking place in some areas.
Tag officers present at the filling stations declined to comment.
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