The petrol pump owners’ association has called on its members to keep fuel stations operational with police and administrative support, warning of growing security risks as fuel supply falls short of consumer demand.

Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, convener of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, issued the directive in a message on Monday.

He said depots are unable to supply fuel according to demand due to global disruptions caused by the war involving Iran, with the possibility of further supply interruptions. Meanwhile, consumer pressure at filling stations is intensifying, with motorcycle riders and other customers crowding fuel pumps.

He reported incidents of staff being assaulted and fuel stations being vandalized at various locations.

The association instructed pump operators to seek assistance from local police and administration to remain open and advised staff to prioritize their personal safety without waiting for directives in case of any untoward incident. Copies of the message were sent to all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police across the country.

Separately, the Rajshahi Divisional Petrol Pump Owners Association raised concerns about fuel allocation from depots in a letter sent to officials of Jamuna, Meghna and Padma Oil Companies.

The letter, signed by central joint convener Mizanur Rahman Ratan, said depots including Baghabari are allocating petrol and octane in quantities far below the capacity of tank lorries. While each chamber of a tank lorry holds 4,500 liters, allocations of only 2,000 to 3,000 liters are being made in many cases, significantly increasing transportation costs and causing financial losses for pump owners.

The letter warned that when pump owners decline to collect such small quantities, the fuel is being diverted through various agencies, raising the risk of black market sales that could further destabilize prices and supply in the future.

The association urged authorities to allocate fuel in line with tank lorry capacity to protect pump owners’ interests and maintain market stability.