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.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that the ongoing Middle East war could unleash an energy crisis more severe than the oil shocks of the 1970s and comparable to the early effects of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Birol said the world is currently losing about 11 million barrels of oil per day, exceeding the combined losses of the two major oil crises of the 1970s.

He cautioned that no country would be spared from the energy fallout, as oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been blocked due to Iran’s obstruction. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform that the United States is considering winding down its military operations while aiming to neutralize Iran’s missile capabilities and destroy its defense industry base.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that since the first strike on Iran on February 28, Washington’s objectives remain to dismantle Iran’s missile launchers, naval forces, and defense infrastructure, and to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday to address potential economic risks to the United Kingdom stemming from the ongoing Iran war. According to The Guardian, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey are among the key participants. The meeting will assess the possible effects on households, businesses, energy security, and supply chains, as well as international responses.

The heightened tension follows Iran’s warning that it would target Gulf neighbors’ energy and water systems if U.S. President Donald Trump carries out threats against Iranian power plants. Reuters reported that the UK is closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over its heavy reliance on imported gas, persistent inflation, and fiscal strain, which have accelerated the fall in government bond prices.

Reeves noted that it remains difficult to predict the war’s full impact on the British economy. While rejecting broad cost-cutting measures for now, she said targeted assistance options are under consideration.

During the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Kuakata, known as the 'Daughter of the Sea,' has seen a massive influx of tourists. On Sunday, the second day of Eid, the 18-kilometer-long beach turned into a festive city as thousands of visitors from across Bangladesh arrived to enjoy the sea and nature. Although light rain reduced attendance earlier in the day, the beach became crowded by evening, with visitors engaging in sea bathing, horse riding, and photography at major spots including Zero Point, Lebur Bon, and Gangamati.

After a quiet Ramadan period, Kuakata’s tourism sector has revived with nearly 90 percent hotel and resort bookings. Local business owners expressed optimism that the surge in visitors would help recover previous losses. The natural beauty of the beach, enhanced by red crabs, migratory birds, and fresh vegetation, added to the attraction.

Tourist Police have implemented multi-layered security measures to ensure visitor safety, deploying officers at key points and maintaining plainclothes surveillance to allow tourists to enjoy their holidays peacefully.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has warned that petrol pumps across the country may shut down at any time due to fuel shortages and security concerns. The organization issued a statement on Sunday night describing the situation as dire, saying that the daily fuel supply from oil companies is insufficient to meet current consumer demand.

According to the statement, motorcycle users are waiting for hours to refuel, leading to frustration and tension at petrol stations. Pump attendants, referred to as nozzlemen, are struggling to manage the growing discontent among customers and are becoming exhausted from continuous duty without rest.

The association cautioned that if the situation continues, petrol pumps nationwide could close down because of inadequate fuel supply and safety risks, potentially disrupting transportation and daily activities across Bangladesh.

With the start of the seven-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the Sundarbans—the world’s largest mangrove forest—and various tourist spots in Mongla have seen a surge of visitors. From morning to evening, areas such as Mongla’s children’s park and marine drive are crowded with tourists. After a quiet Ramadan, most hotels and resorts in Mongla are now fully booked, and tourism officials expect the highest visitor turnout between March 22 and 24.

Local businesses and the administration have strengthened security and arranged special entertainment programs and services to welcome tourists. Visitors from different regions are enjoying the natural beauty of the forest, rivers, and wildlife. A tourist from Dhaka expressed satisfaction with the environment and travel experience.

Officials at the Karamjal Wildlife Breeding Center reported that thousands of tourists are visiting daily, which is revitalizing the tourism sector. Business owners who faced losses during Ramadan are now operating with renewed enthusiasm, and authorities believe the increased tourist flow will help expand the local economy and boost revenue.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that Bangladesh has not raised fuel prices even though many countries have done so. He made the remarks on Sunday morning at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram, during a post-Eid discussion with journalists. The minister noted that despite global challenges, including ongoing wars, the government has managed to maintain fuel supply and transportation stability during the Eid period.

He explained that the prolonged conflict abroad continues to exert pressure on economies worldwide, and Bangladesh is not immune to these effects. The minister described the national economy as being in a fragile condition when the new government took office. However, he emphasized that through careful management, the government has so far prevented significant burdens on citizens.

Chowdhury acknowledged that the situation remains difficult and that continued global instability, particularly in the Middle East, could increase economic pressure on Bangladesh if the conflict persists.

According to a Financial Times report, the world’s 20 largest airlines have lost about $53 billion in market value since the start of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran. The conflict has forced several airlines across the Middle East to suspend their commercial operations due to safety and logistical concerns.

As the war enters its fourth week, airline executives are expressing concern over a potential shortage of jet fuel. The report notes that roughly one-third of airlines’ total operating costs go toward jet fuel, and prices have doubled since the conflict began. This sharp rise in fuel costs is expected to put upward pressure on airfares.

The ongoing instability in the region continues to disrupt global aviation markets, with uncertainty surrounding how long the conflict and its economic effects will persist.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that despite the ongoing war in the Middle East, Bangladesh has not experienced any impact on commodity prices. He said fuel prices and transport fares have remained stable and there has been no fuel shortage. The minister made these remarks on Sunday at a post-Eid Mezban gathering at his residence in Mehedibagh, Chattogram, emphasizing that the country is progressing normally and will continue to do so with public cooperation.

He added that the stable democratic environment in Bangladesh is reflected in the people's expressions of freedom and joy during Eid. According to him, the elected democratic government has ensured that citizens feel a sense of ownership and participation in national progress. Chowdhury urged citizens to maintain cooperation and restraint to sustain the country's forward momentum.

The Mezban event was attended by leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organizations, creating a festive atmosphere of Eid reunion. Similar gatherings were also organized by the Chattogram City Mayor and several Members of Parliament, who said such events strengthen unity and fraternity within the party.

Fuel unloading operations at Chattogram Port are continuing at full capacity to maintain stable electricity generation and ensure national energy security. Since March 3, following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, 25 fuel-carrying vessels have been successfully unloaded. One vessel is currently discharging fuel at the jetty, another is waiting offshore, and two more are en route to Bangladesh by sea.

According to port sources, the unloaded cargoes include LNG, LPG, diesel, furnace oil, jet fuel, and octane, essential for domestic transport and industrial operations. Shipping officials said energy imports are being prioritized, keeping vessel arrivals steady and unloading processes expedited. The LPG SEVAN vessel from Oman is currently unloading LPG, while the AB OLIVIA from Thailand has brought base oil to meet lubricant demand.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation described the completion of 25 unloadings in less than a month as a major success, ensuring no artificial fuel shortage. Port authorities noted that timely unloading saves millions of taka and stabilizes the market, supporting the country’s economic momentum if the incoming vessels arrive as scheduled.