Record Fuel Reserves vs. Empty Stations: Where Is Bangladesh's Oil Going?

While the government maintains that there is no shortage, commuters and transport workers are facing grueling wait times in long queues. This stark contrast between official data and ground reality has raised a critical question: If supply is sufficient, where is the fuel going?

A report by BBC Bangla attributes this paradox to a combination of illegal hoarding, "panic buying," and the emergence of predatory seasonal traders.

Official Data vs. Ground Reality According to the Energy Division, the country currently holds a massive reserve of 101,385 metric tons of diesel, along with sufficient stocks of octane, petrol, and jet fuel. State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, assured that the government has enough capacity to meet the total demand for April and May, with preparations already in place for June.

However, reports from Rajshahi, Magura, and Bagerhat suggest a thriving black market. Victims claim that "seasonal traders" are buying fuel from pumps and reselling it in the open market for 220–250 BDT, more than double the official price of 120 BDT.

The Trust Deficit and Management Failure Energy experts argue that the crisis is rooted in a crisis of confidence. Professors Anu Muhammad and Dr. Badrul Imam pointed out that:

• Monitoring Gaps: There is a significant lack of institutional efficiency and market monitoring during emergencies.

• Panic Buying: Misinformation on social media has triggered "panic buying," where consumers purchase far more than their immediate needs.

• Logistical Hurdles: Experts believe that without an advanced supply chain management system—similar to those used in developed international nations—increasing reserves alone will not solve the instability.

Government Crackdown The government claims to be taking a hardline stance against manipulators. Over the past 45 days, authorities have conducted more than 9,000 raids, seizing approximately 550,000 liters of illegally hoarded fuel and issuing numerous prison sentences.

Despite these measures, the supply chain at the field level remains choked. Until the government can restore public trust and stabilize distribution, the daily struggle of ordinary citizens at the fuel pumps is likely to continue.