The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has set a new limit allowing motorcycle ride-share drivers in metropolitan areas to purchase a maximum of five liters of octane or petrol per day. The directive, issued on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, through a notice signed by BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana, replaces the previous two-liter daily limit. The rule applies only within city areas.

According to the notice, fuel stations must issue receipts specifying the fuel type, quantity, and price for each purchase. Drivers must submit the original copy of the previous receipt when refueling again. Fuel will be supplied only after verifying the motorcycle’s registration number and driver information with the ride-sharing app. BPC emphasized that selling fuel above the government-fixed price is illegal and that fuel prices are reviewed monthly by the government.

BPC stated that fuel imports and distribution across the country are continuing as scheduled, with regular deliveries by rail wagons and tankers to maintain stable supply. The decision aims to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability amid the current situation.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has announced that 5,000 tons of diesel are being imported from India’s Numaligarh Refinery in Assam. The fuel is expected to reach Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. BPC’s General Manager for Commerce and Operations, Muhammad Morshed Hossain Azad, confirmed the development, adding that pumping operations have already begun in India.

According to BPC sources, the government initiated this emergency import to maintain stable fuel reserves and ensure uninterrupted nationwide supply. Officials believe the pipeline transport will reduce both time and transportation costs. Bangladesh has also formally proposed importing an additional 50,000 tons of diesel through the same pipeline over the next four months.

A separate agreement remains in place to import 180,000 tons of diesel from the Numaligarh Refinery by December 2026, though implementation had been delayed due to strained Dhaka–Delhi relations. The total cost of that deal is estimated at about Tk 1,462 crore, financed partly by BPC and partly through bank loans.

Global oil prices dropped sharply after US President Donald Trump suggested that the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran could soon end. The decline followed a period of intense volatility in the energy market, which had seen prices reach their highest level in four years on March 9, 2026.

Just a day earlier, Brent crude oil prices had surpassed 100 dollars per barrel for the first time since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The surge triggered heavy sell-offs in major stock markets across Asia and Europe, while New York’s Wall Street also faced early trading pressure. Trump’s remarks, made in an interview with CBS News, appeared to calm markets, leading to a rapid price correction.

By the end of the day, Brent crude, which had briefly touched 119.50 dollars per barrel, fell to 98.96 dollars. The developments highlighted the sensitivity of global energy markets to geopolitical signals and presidential statements.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced strict energy-saving measures on Monday amid fears of a fuel shortage caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a televised address, he said all primary schools across the country would remain closed for two weeks, while higher education institutions would shift to online classes. Half of all government and private employees have been instructed to work from home, and offices will now have an additional weekly holiday to reduce energy consumption.

The announcement came as crude oil prices surpassed 100 dollars per barrel for the first time in four years. Sharif noted that Pakistan’s economy, agriculture, and transport sectors are heavily dependent on Middle Eastern oil and energy supplies. He also ordered a reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles, banned new purchases of furniture, air conditioners, and other office items, and suspended all foreign trips by government officials, including himself.

These measures are intended to conserve energy and stabilize national fuel reserves during the regional crisis.

A shortage of bottled soybean oil has been reported in several markets across Dhaka, with consumers struggling to find one- and two-liter bottles despite stable retail prices. Dealers have reportedly raised wholesale prices, reducing retailers’ profit margins. Open soybean and palm oil prices have also increased. Some shopkeepers said companies are supplying less oil, while panic buying linked to conflict in the Middle East has worsened the situation.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, after meeting with importers and traders, denied any shortage, stating that there is sufficient stock and no reason for price hikes. He attributed the temporary supply pressure to consumers purchasing more than usual out of fear. The minister warned that panic buying could allow unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation and assured that monitoring would be intensified.

Oil companies and importers also rejected claims of reduced production or supply, asserting that distribution remains normal. The ministry confirmed that consumer protection authorities and local administrations will continue market inspections to prevent manipulation.

Bahrain police have arrested six expatriates, including a Bangladeshi national, for allegedly posting and sharing videos supporting Iran on social media. The arrests took place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East related to ongoing conflict. The Bangladeshi detainee has been identified as Mohammad Israfil Mir, while the other five individuals are Pakistani nationals. The arrests were reported on Monday by Bahrain’s state news agency and local media, citing the country’s Ministry of Interior.

According to the reports, the arrests were carried out following an investigation by the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Corruption and Cybercrime Directorate. The ministry stated that the individuals were detained for their online activities that allegedly supported Iran during a period of regional unrest.

The incident highlights Bahrain’s continued monitoring of online content and its enforcement of cybercrime laws, particularly in the context of regional political sensitivities.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA) have warned that private sector furnace oil-based power plants can continue production for only about one month with their current fuel reserves. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday, BIPPA President David Hasnat and former president Imran Karim urged the government to ensure timely fuel supply and payment of outstanding dues to prevent a severe electricity crisis as irrigation demand and summer heat intensify.

Imran Karim stated that as of early March, private plants held around 130,000 tons of fuel oil, sufficient to operate until April 7–10. He noted that private producers generate roughly half of Bangladesh’s total electricity, but delayed government payments—often six to nine months late—have created financial strain, with dues reaching about Tk 14,000 crore. Karim also argued that furnace oil remains comparatively stable in price, unlike LNG, which has seen sharp increases.

BIPPA Vice President Faisal Ahmed Chowdhury emphasized the sector’s growing local expertise, while Hasnat cautioned that the country could face a 3,000-megawatt power shortfall during peak heat if short- and long-term plans are not implemented.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a new policy to enhance transparency and accountability in distributing stipends to primary school students. Announced on March 9, 2026, by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the 'Primary Education Stipend Program Implementation Guidelines 2026' mandates that stipend funds be sent directly to the mother’s registered mobile banking account. In the absence of the mother, the father or a legal guardian will receive the payment through the same digital process.

According to the new guidelines, all students of government primary schools, PTI-affiliated experimental schools, and those run by the Child Welfare Trust will be eligible, with a maximum of two children per family allowed to receive stipends. Monthly payments will vary by grade, ranging from 75 taka for pre-primary students to 200 taka for grades six to eight. Students must maintain at least 80% attendance and achieve minimum academic performance to continue receiving benefits.

The Directorate of Primary Education will oversee the fully digital distribution system, coordinated with the Finance Division, Bangladesh Bank, and mobile financial service providers. Any irregularities in fund distribution will be subject to legal action.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Monch, stated that the planner behind the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi remains at large. Speaking at a press conference in Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, he said that although the main accused has been arrested, the key planner and accomplices have not yet been detained. The organization also expressed a lack of confidence in the current administration’s handling of the case.

Jaber called for a separate investigation under the supervision of the United Nations to ensure impartial justice for Hadi’s killing. He said the group would formally request UN intervention from the government. According to him, recent political remarks and police behavior have created confusion and reduced the organization’s trust in the judicial process.

Authorities have arrested two individuals from West Bengal in connection with the murder, including prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud. The state police have filed a case against them for illegal entry into India, and both have been placed in 14-day police custody following their court appearance.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that there is sufficient stock of edible oil in the market and no possibility of a price increase. He made the remarks on Monday after a meeting with edible oil traders at the Ministry of Commerce to review the overall supply situation following reports of minor shortages and slightly higher prices in some areas.

The minister explained that recent supply pressure in certain markets resulted from panic buying by consumers, not from any actual shortage. He emphasized that importers and refinery owners confirmed adequate reserves of edible oil. Muktadir urged consumers not to purchase excessively, warning that unnecessary competition could allow unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation.

He further said that monitoring activities would be strengthened to ensure market stability and prevent misinformation. The National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate and district administrations will continue regular inspections, and the government will take action if irregularities are found.

Inqilab Mancha has alleged that the masterminds and financiers behind the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi remain at large despite the arrest of the main shooter. At an emergency press conference held in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on March 9, the group’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said they had confirmed the arrest of the prime accused, Faisal Karim Masud, in India. He described the arrest, which came 87 days after the murder, as a significant step forward but insisted that those who planned and financed the attack must also be exposed.

Jaber claimed that an earlier investigation by the Detective Branch attempted to suppress the case, but the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has since taken over. He said the CID confirmed efforts to bring the shooter back to Bangladesh and identify others involved. While thanking investigators for progress, he warned against political bargaining over the arrest and urged swift completion of international legal processes.

Reiterating the call for a UN-supervised investigation, Jaber said the government should update the public on whether the UN has agreed to take charge and what cooperation will be provided to ensure impartial justice.

The ongoing conflict surrounding Iran has sparked fears of a new wave of inflation in the United Kingdom, according to a report citing Al Jazeera. The impact is already visible in European stock markets, with the UK's FTSE 100 index dropping by about 200 points, or roughly 2 percent, and Germany's DAX index falling by around 2.3 percent.

Market analysts suggest that investors are now factoring in the possibility of interest rate hikes due to inflation concerns. The Bank of England is expected to make decisions on this matter in the coming weeks or months. Higher interest rates would make borrowing more expensive for both businesses and homeowners.

Since the crisis began, yields on UK government bonds have also risen significantly, raising concerns that the government’s day-to-day financial management could become more difficult.

West Bengal Police have filed a case against two Bangladeshi nationals, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, for illegal entry into India after their arrest in connection with the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inquilab Manch. The two were detained near Bongaon, close to the India-Bangladesh border, and were found without Indian identification documents. They have been remanded to 14 days of police custody following their court appearance.

A police officer told BBC Bangla that the decision to hand over the suspects to Bangladesh does not fall under the jurisdiction of the state police. The Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has requested consular access to meet the detainees through the Indian government. The officer added that, given the sensitive and serious nature of the case, the process could be completed swiftly through administrative cooperation between the two countries.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects fled Bangladesh after Hadi’s killing and entered India illegally through the Meghalaya border. Police are investigating whether others were involved in the illegal entry.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed concern that rising energy prices caused by the ongoing war could affect Germany’s economy. Speaking at a press conference, Merz said his government is worried about the current energy price situation and acknowledged the potential economic consequences for the country.

During his visit to the White House last week, Merz had expressed support for the joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran. At the same time, he expressed hope that the conflict would end soon, noting that the war is having a negative impact on the global economy.

The statement reflects Germany’s growing anxiety over the broader economic fallout of the conflict and its potential to disrupt energy markets and economic stability.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks to ensure adequate cash availability in ATM booths across the country ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The central bank’s Payment Systems Department issued a circular on Monday instructing scheduled banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service institutions to maintain uninterrupted operations of all digital transaction systems, including point of sale (POS), e-payment gateways, and mobile financial services.

The circular emphasized that ATMs must remain operational at all times, with technical issues resolved promptly and security guards kept on alert. Banks were also instructed to ensure continuous POS services for customer convenience and to raise awareness among merchants and clients to prevent fraud. For e-payment gateways, the use of two-factor authentication in both card-based and account-based transactions was mandated.

Mobile financial service providers such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad were asked to guarantee uninterrupted transactions and to notify customers via SMS for every transaction, regardless of amount.