The Bangladesh government has confirmed that the country currently holds sufficient fuel reserves to meet national demand for the next 20 to 22 days without new imports. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or octane, and that additional shipments are arriving regularly. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation reported 136,000 metric tons of refined fuel and about 100,000 tons of crude oil in storage, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Authorities have identified attempts by certain groups to create an artificial fuel crisis for personal gain. Intelligence agencies, including the DGFI and NSI, have reported that some petrol pump owners and transport operators are diverting fuel to the black market. The government has warned that any manipulation or rumor-spreading about fuel shortages will face strict action.

Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert and prepare for coordinated operations against those responsible. Citizens have been urged not to believe or spread misinformation on social media and to rely only on official government updates.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association has called for assistance from police and local administration to keep petrol pumps operational amid rising consumer pressure and reduced fuel supply. The appeal was made on Monday, March 23, by the association’s convener Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, citing safety concerns due to growing crowds and incidents of vandalism at filling stations.

According to the association, the global situation surrounding Iran has disrupted fuel supply from depots, with fears of further temporary shortages. Despite high demand, supply has become inconsistent, leading to public unrest at fuel stations across the country. The association advised pump operators to ensure their own safety and continue operations with local law enforcement support.

A separate letter from the Rajshahi Divisional Petrol Pump Owners Association highlighted mismatches between fuel allocations and tank lorry capacities at several depots, including Baghabari. It requested that allocations be adjusted to match lorry capacities to protect pump owners’ interests and maintain stable distribution.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Lok Sabha on Monday that the country’s gas and energy situation has become alarming due to the ongoing conflict in Central Asia. He described the regional war, now lasting more than three weeks, as a severe global crisis affecting economies and lives worldwide. Modi said the conflict has created unexpected economic, national security, and humanitarian challenges for India.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over disruptions to free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy shipments. He reported that India currently holds 5.3 million metric tons of petroleum reserves and aims to raise this to 6.5 million metric tons. India maintains import links with 41 countries to address the energy shortage. Modi added that domestic LPG production is being increased, with priority given to household consumers, as about 60 percent of LPG is imported.

Modi also said he has held two rounds of talks with West Asian leaders, who assured the safety of Indians in the region. Since the war began, 375,000 Indians have returned home safely, including 1,000 from Iran, among them over 700 medical students.

Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a five-day suspension of planned strikes on Iranian power plants. Reuters reported that oil prices dropped more than 13 percent immediately following the announcement. Brent crude futures fell to around $104 per barrel, down about 7 percent, and at one point declined as much as 15 percent to $96. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped nearly 8 percent to around $90, briefly touching just above $85.

Trump had earlier warned that the United States would attack Iran’s power facilities if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Before the deadline expired, he announced the suspension. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they would strike Israeli power plants and U.S. energy supply bases in the Gulf if attacked. Earlier in the day, oil prices had been rising, with Brent above $113 and WTI near $101.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) cautioned that the Middle East crisis could surpass the severity of the 1970s oil shock or the Russia-Ukraine war’s impact. It decided to release 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to stabilize supply and said further releases could follow if needed.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said on Monday, March 23, that he could not obtain fuel despite standing in line for four hours. He shared this experience in a verified Facebook post, highlighting the growing difficulty ordinary citizens face in purchasing fuel amid the ongoing shortage.

On Sunday night, March 22, the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that petrol stations across the country might shut down at any time due to the fuel crisis. The shortage follows global supply concerns triggered by conflict in the Middle East, which has raised fears of disruptions in energy imports. As panic buying increased, the government imposed limits on the sale of petrol, octane, and diesel starting March 6 to stabilize supply.

The situation underscores the strain on Bangladesh’s fuel distribution system and the growing public frustration as the crisis deepens.

On Monday, oil prices in Asia rose sharply while major stock markets suffered steep declines, driven by escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Brent crude climbed more than one percent to exceed 113.40 dollars per barrel. Japan’s Nikkei index fell 3.5 percent, and South Korea’s Kospi dropped 6.5 percent, reflecting investor anxiety over regional instability.

The turmoil followed warnings from Donald Trump on Saturday that he would destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened. Iran responded that any such attack would trigger retaliatory strikes on key regional infrastructure. Energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie’s chairman and chief analyst Simon Flowers told the BBC that markets were watching closely to see whether these threats would be carried out.

Flowers added that a US strike on Iranian infrastructure would intensify the war further, prompting possible Iranian counterattacks similar to those seen in recent weeks. The heightened uncertainty has left energy and financial markets on edge across Asia.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, announced that the country’s fuel supply remains normal. Speaking at a press conference at his residence on Monday, March 23, 2026, the minister said fuel imports have increased by 25 percent compared to last year. He urged citizens not to panic and to purchase fuel as needed, assuring that everyone will have access to supplies.

Tuku explained that temporary supply pressure occurred because distribution was halted for two days during the Eid holidays. He added that the government continues importing fuel with subsidies to maintain stability. Meanwhile, State Minister for Road Transport and Railways, Habibur Rashid Habib, stated that security will be provided at fuel stations if necessary and that the government successfully prevented attempts to raise prices amid the perceived shortage.

Officials said the earlier concerns about fuel scarcity before Eid have been resolved, and the situation is now under control.

A severe fuel shortage has gripped Nilphamari district, leaving most petrol pumps without supply and forcing drivers and residents into long queues. Only a few stations have limited fuel, with customers restricted to small purchases. Despite the government ending rationing, most pump owners continue to sell under rationing rules. Meanwhile, petrol and octane are being sold at inflated prices in local markets, reaching up to Tk 300 per litre, far above the official rates of Tk 116 and Tk 120.

Motorists and farmers are among the worst affected. Drivers report waiting for hours without success, while farmers face difficulties irrigating their fields during the peak cultivation season. Pump owners say their stocks have run out due to inadequate supply and remain uncertain when normal distribution will resume.

Local authorities have warned of immediate action against illegal hoarding or overpricing. Officials from the Consumer Rights Protection Directorate confirmed that selling fuel above the government-fixed price is illegal, as the crisis continues to disrupt daily life across the district.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol has warned that the current global energy crisis poses a greater threat than the oil shocks of the 1970s and the disruptions caused by the 2022 Ukraine war. Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on March 23, 2026, Birol said the world economy is facing a major threat as the situation combines two major oil crises and one gas crisis. He urged for a coordinated global response to mitigate the impact, warning that no country would remain unaffected if the crisis continues.

Birol revealed that at least 40 key energy facilities in the Middle East have been severely damaged due to ongoing conflict in the region. To stabilize the situation, the IEA has begun discussions with Asian and European countries about releasing emergency oil reserves. Earlier this month, IEA member states announced a record release of 400 million barrels of oil to curb soaring global prices.

He emphasized that restoring regular supply through the Strait of Hormuz is essential for energy security and confirmed the agency’s readiness to release additional reserves if necessary.

A nationwide fuel shortage has disrupted operations at filling stations across Bangladesh, leading to unrest among customers. The Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association issued a warning on March 23, 2026, urging station owners to ensure staff safety and maintain order. The association said fuel supply would normalize once banks reopen after the Eid holidays, allowing payment orders to resume.

According to the association, the disruption stems from global supply constraints linked to the Iran war, which has limited fuel availability from depots. The situation has caused long queues and incidents of vandalism and assaults on station staff in several areas. The association’s convener, Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, signed a letter advising owners to seek police assistance or take personal safety measures if necessary.

The letter also noted that despite the government lifting fuel rationing on March 15, supply has not yet stabilized. Normal distribution is expected to resume once banking operations restart on Tuesday after the holiday period.

Major Asian stock markets suffered sharp declines on Monday as the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified. According to Al Jazeera, the sell-off deepened as threats between the warring sides raised fears that the war could drag on. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 4.8 percent at the start of trading, while South Korea’s KOSPI index dropped more than 5.5 percent.

The report also noted volatility in global oil prices. Brent crude slipped about 0.8 percent to 111.25 dollars per barrel, while U.S.-traded crude remained nearly unchanged at 98.18 dollars. The market reaction reflected investor anxiety over the conflict’s potential impact on energy supply and regional stability.

The developments underscored how geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are reverberating through Asian financial markets, with investors closely watching for signs of further escalation or diplomatic intervention.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that Bangladesh faces difficult times ahead due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Speaking on Monday, March 23, in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila after inaugurating the Neha River re-excavation program, he said oil prices are expected to rise, leading to higher commodity costs, and urged people to endure the situation with patience.

He stated that the conflict has disrupted oil supplies but cautioned against vandalizing fuel pumps, promising strict action against any mob violence. Fakhrul added that despite challenges such as crop damage from storms and rain, the government has waived agricultural loans and distributed family cards to support millions of women. He also mentioned that 20,000 canals will be excavated nationwide as part of ongoing development projects.

The minister emphasized that the administration remains committed to completing all promised projects and assisting farmers affected by adverse weather conditions.

Government offices, banks, insurance companies, and courts in Bangladesh will reopen on Tuesday, March 24, following a seven-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr that ends on Monday, March 23. The holiday began on March 17, with Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated nationwide on Saturday, March 21. The stock market and private institutions are also set to resume operations on the same day.

Employees will have only one working day before another break, as Thursday, March 26, marks Independence Day, followed by the regular weekend on Friday and Saturday. This will effectively give workers another three consecutive days off after just one day of work.

Journalists, officers, and staff of newspapers also return to work on Monday after a five-day Eid holiday declared by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) from March 19 to March 23.

A shortage of octane has been reported at several petrol pumps across Dhaka, causing long queues and frustration among motorists. The crisis emerged even after the lifting of fuel rationing, with drivers moving from one station to another in search of octane. Areas including Mohammadpur, Asad Gate, Bijoy Sarani, Paribagh, Motijheel, Rajarbagh, Moghbazar, New Market, Gabtoli, and Mirpur have been affected. The shortage coincides with the end of the Eid holidays, as office-goers return to the capital ahead of government offices reopening on Tuesday.

Fuel marketing companies have claimed that octane reserves and supplies remain adequate, while pump owners argue that depots are not providing enough fuel to match sales. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) stated that there is no national shortage, noting that daily sales since February 28 have been double the usual demand. A 25,000-ton octane shipment is expected to arrive on April 2, and local production continues at normal levels.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that due to supply shortages and security concerns, petrol pumps nationwide could shut down at any time.

Global oil prices rose sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Israel announced that its ongoing military operations would continue for several weeks. These developments triggered immediate reactions in the energy markets, with crude oil prices climbing as trading opened on Sunday night.

According to AFP, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery rose about 1.8 percent, surpassing 100 dollars per barrel before easing slightly. Brent crude for May delivery also increased, reaching 113.44 dollars per barrel before stabilizing near 111 dollars. Before the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 27, WTI and Brent were priced at 67.02 and 72.48 dollars respectively.

Analysts cited ongoing Middle East tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Hormuz Strait as key factors pressuring global energy markets. They warned that further escalation could lead to significant volatility in oil prices.