The government has withdrawn all restrictions on the sale of petrol, octane and diesel, restoring open fuel sales across the country after easing concerns over supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit announced the decision at a press conference at the ministry on Sunday.
“From the 15th of March until further notice, fuel oil will continue to be distributed according to demand from all distribution points across the country,” he said.
The minister said the step was taken to facilitate smooth travel during the upcoming Eid holidays and ensure adequate fuel supply for farmers during the Boro cultivation season.
Earlier, uncertainty in the global fuel market triggered fears of an oil shortage in Bangladesh. As consumers began buying more fuel than usual, the government imposed temporary limits on petrol, octane and diesel sales on March 6 to maintain supply stability.
Under the restrictions, motorcycles were allowed to purchase up to two litres of fuel per day, while sports utility vehicles and microbuses were capped at 20–25 litres. Pickup vans and local buses were allowed 70–80 litres, and long-distance buses, trucks, covered vans and container trucks could buy 200–220 litres daily.
The cap for ride-sharing motorcycles was later increased to five litres following demands from riders.
Amit said concerns had been driven by disruptions in the global supply chain due to the Middle East conflict. However, the situation has since improved, with several fuel-carrying vessels already arriving at Chattogram port.
With the restrictions lifted, consumers can now purchase fuel according to their needs.