Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the normal fuel supply system has been disrupted due to an unexpected surge in consumer demand.
The situation arose as fuel sales at petrol pumps are being exhausted much faster than usual, he told reporters at Secretariat.
“Earlier, tank lorries would be filled in the morning and even after selling fuel throughout the day, there would be some surplus. But now, due to long queues, the fuel runs out quickly,” he said.
Responding to a question about why people are not getting fuel despite there being no shortage, as he had claimed earlier, the minister explained that supply delays in the early hours were contributing to the problem.
“It takes time to refill tankers from depots and transport fuel to pumps. So there is a shortage in the early morning, but fuel becomes available later,” he said.
He said the demand has risen sharply, with the amount of fuel typically sold in a day now being sold out within just a few hours.
“When demand suddenly spikes like this, naturally the fuel will run out,” he added.
The minister said the existing supply mechanism has come under strain as an unusually high number of customers are crowding petrol pumps.
“Petrol pumps operate under a certain process. We supply fuel in a structured way but that system has broken down due to excessive pressure from consumers,” he said.
On whether the government would introduce fuel rationing, he said, “I cannot say anything about that right now.”
He urged people not to purchase fuel beyond their needs, warning that excessive buying could further disrupt supply.
“There is enough fuel. People will get it but they should not buy more than necessary,” he said.
Asked about measures to prevent hoarding, the minister said the government would take necessary steps as required.
Regarding a possible price hike, he said fuel pricing is determined by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, not the ministry.
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“When there is a gap between demand and supply, a temporary crisis may occur. Demand has suddenly increased, while supply is continuing at its usual pace, so some disruption is natural,” he added.
State Minister Anindya Islam Amit was also present at the briefing.