Following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, public concern has grown in Bangladesh over the country’s fuel reserves and supply duration. Despite government assurances that there is no fuel crisis, long queues have formed at filling stations, and reports of disputes between customers and sellers have surfaced. According to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, as of March 31, Bangladesh held 128,939 metric tons of diesel, 7,940 metric tons of octane, 11,431 metric tons of petrol, and 44,609 metric tons of jet fuel. Experts estimate that the current diesel stock could last around 11 days, though new imports from Malaysia and India are expected to replenish supplies.

Energy officials maintain that monthly demand will be met and that the situation is under control. However, experts warn that Bangladesh’s limited storage capacity—only 30 to 40 days of supply—poses a risk to energy security. The government has deployed “tag officers” to monitor fuel stations and launched nationwide drives against illegal hoarding. On March 30, 391 raids resulted in 191 cases, fines totaling about one million taka, and the recovery of over 80,000 liters of fuel.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud stated that Bangladesh is also exploring alternative fuel sources and maintaining supply contracts with India, Malaysia, and Singapore.