The government of Bangladesh has decided to deploy the army to major oil depots across the country to ensure security amid an ongoing fuel crisis. The decision was formalized through a directive issued on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The move comes as the country faces heightened demand from fuel dealers, leading to supply strain on marketing companies such as Padma Oil PLC, Meghna Petroleum Limited, and Jamuna Oil Company Limited.

According to the directive signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Enamul Haque, the deployment aims to prevent potential unrest and safeguard key installations. The army will be stationed at critical depots including Patenga in Chattogram, Daulatpur in Khulna, Baghabari in Sirajganj, Godnail and Fatullah in Narayanganj, Parbatipur in Dinajpur, and depots in Barishal. The ministry stated that the measure is necessary to maintain national energy security and avert any disorder arising from the crisis.

The directive underscores the urgency of stabilizing the fuel supply chain and ensuring uninterrupted operations at vital energy facilities during the ongoing shortage.