A severe shortage of petrol and octane has disrupted fuel supply across Bangladesh, with long queues forming at filling stations in Dhaka and other regions. Many pumps have limited sales, allowing only small purchases per vehicle, while some stations remain closed due to depleted stocks. Despite the crisis, Bangladesh produces a significant portion of its petrol and octane domestically from condensate extracted at gas fields, particularly in Sylhet and Habiganj.

Officials and experts attribute the shortage mainly to panic buying and hoarding triggered by fears over global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. The government maintains that the country has sufficient reserves and continues to import additional fuel to stabilize supply. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said measures such as QR code systems for motorbikes, fuel cards, and alternating supply days have been introduced to curb misuse and ensure fair distribution.

Analysts warn that while domestic production can meet part of the demand, reduced condensate output and rising global prices may pose future challenges for diesel, crude oil, and LNG imports.