The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association (BPPOA) on Saturday urged the government to allow capable private sector traders to import fuel immediately to resolve what they described as a severe, "man-made" supply crisis across the country.
In a statement signed by the association's convener, Syed Sajjadul Karim, the organization claimed that the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources are implementing an "unrealistic" rationing process.
The association warned that these policies are exposing the new government to intense public criticism.
The BPPOA alleged that several BPC officials, including the chairman, have misled the Energy Secretary by providing false information and creating an artificial fuel shortage over the past 10–12 days without consulting stakeholders.
“Supplying less than half of the normal demand through rationing while keeping depots open on public holidays is a deceptive act,” the statement read.
The owners' body pointed out a disconnect between official claims of "sufficient reserves" and the reality at the pumps. They noted that while oil tankers are waiting at jetties, depots lack adequate storage, and pumps are not receiving supply according to their requirements.
As a result, many pumps are running dry within two to three hours of receiving a shipment.
The statement highlighted the financial strain on dealers, noting that tank-lorries with a capacity of 13,500 liters are traveling 200–250 kilometers to depots, only to receive 4,000 to 6,000 liters.
“This doubles the transportation cost. Since fuel is sold at a uniform government-fixed price, there is no scope for dealers to adjust or recover these additional expenses,” the association stated.
The BPPOA emphasized that the deficit created over the last 10–12 days cannot be recovered even within a month under the current system.
They proposed that if the government faces delays or is unable to import sufficient fuel, it should immediately grant import permits to capable private businessmen. This fuel could then be supplied through the BPC network to stabilize the market and mitigate the ongoing crisis.