The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association anticipates fuel availability will normalize from Saturday, urging people to avoid panic and exercise patience during the current supply disruption.

In an emergency statement released Friday, the association appealed to consumers to purchase fuel calmly rather than rushing to filling stations in large numbers, which has exacerbated distribution challenges.

Association convener Syed Sazzadul Karim Kabul described the unprecedented crowds at petrol pumps as problematic. “In my 50 years of business experience, I have never witnessed such a situation. Consumer restraint is essential to help manage the circumstances,” Kabul stated.

The association attributed supply chain disruptions to an unusually high concentration of government holidays during March, which temporarily interrupted regular fuel distribution patterns across the country.

Consequently, several filling stations experienced temporary stock depletion. However, the association emphasized there is no justification for public alarm over fuel availability.

The group expressed confidence that comprehensive supply normalization would occur beginning Saturday as distribution channels resume regular operations following the extended holiday period.

The reassurance comes amid widespread public concern over fuel access that prompted panic buying behavior at pumps nationwide. Long queues and sporadic shortages fueled anxiety despite repeated government assurances of adequate petroleum reserves.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani recently confirmed Bangladesh currently maintains approximately one month’s worth of fuel stocks, substantially exceeding the historical 15-day reserve standard. He disclosed that Prime Minister directives have been issued to ensure stable and continuous supply.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan similarly called on citizens to refrain from panic purchasing, emphasizing the government has maintained fuel prices despite global market pressures.

Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman highlighted how fuel shortages have created lengthy queues, increased prices, and slowed industrial activity, warning of broader economic impacts as the nation resumes full operations following Eid holidays.

The supply disruption has affected transportation networks, industrial operations, and agricultural activities, prompting political leaders across the spectrum to address public concerns and call for coordinated crisis management.

Industry observers note that holiday-related distribution gaps, combined with heightened demand as economic activity resumes, created temporary mismatches between supply and consumption patterns at retail level.