Ruptly
"Hundreds of motorists in the capital city of Dhaka, on Sunday, were seen standing in long lines for hours at various petrol stations due to fuel shortages following the government's decision to increase retail fuel prices by almost 15 percent. Footage shows motorists parked outside filling stations waiting for their turns, detailing the impact of the fuel shortage on consumers belonging to various sectors, including agriculture. "Now, during the season for our crops and shrimp farming, this will create major problems for agriculture. With the rise in fuel prices, the cost of seeds will also go up, and we farmers will suffer losses," said farmer Animesh Mojumder. "The increase in fuel prices will have a major impact on our daily necessities, particularly transportation costs [...] And when transportation costs go up, the prices of essential goods like vegetables, rice, pulses, meat, and eggs will also increase," added motorist Sharafat Hossain. Fuel price increases have affected many, leading to reduced working hours and prompting some to barter trade crops and produce in exchange for fuel. "We have to exchange cereals just to obtain fuel. Even though prices have increased, fuel is still not readily available. We are living in very difficult conditions," said motorist Antar Biswas. The panic comes after petrol prices increased to 135 taka ($1.10) per litre, with diesel at 115 taka, increasing transport and agriculture costs while fueling overall inflation. Government officials reportedly have stated that rising crude prices, supply chain disruptions, and increased freight and insurance costs contributed towards the recent increase in import expenses following the surge in oil prices during the ongoing war in the Middle East. Bangladesh, which imports around 95 per cent of its oil, primarily from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, faces heightened risk as supply routes remain unstable. Shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas, have driven prices higher and strained imports. To manage the shortage, authorities have introduced fuel rationing, restrictions on diesel sales, and reduced working hours. The disruption follows escalating tensions after the United States and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran on February 28, intensifying pressure on global energy markets."
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