DHAKA: Bangladesh has introduced nationwide fuel rationing, setting daily purchase limits for vehicles as escalating tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supplies and trigger panic buying across the country.
The government imposed the restrictions after the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States intensified fears of disruptions in international energy markets.
Bangladesh, which imports nearly 95 percent of its oil and gas, remains highly vulnerable to external supply shocks. Officials from the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the rationing system aims to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution of fuel until new shipments arrive.
Under the new policy, motorcycles can purchase up to two litres of petrol daily, cars are limited to 10 litres, while microbuses, jeeps and pickup vehicles can buy between 20 and 25 litres.
Diesel limits have also been set for transport vehicles, with local buses and pickups allowed 70–80 litres and long-distance trucks and buses up to 200–220 litres per day.
According to media reports, the restrictions have already led to long queues at petrol stations in Dhaka and other cities as motorists rush to secure their daily fuel allocation.
