Panic buying empties petrol stations at Jaldhaka

JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, July 27: Rumours of a fuel shortage circulating on social media have triggered panic buying in Jaldhaka, leaving many filling stations without petrol and octane and causing hardship for motorists.

A visit to several filling stations on Sunday found petrol and octane either out of stock or being sold in limited quantities, although diesel remained available. Many motorcycle riders were forced to return empty-handed after visiting multiple pumps. In the open market, petrol was reportedly being sold at inflated prices of Tk 170 to Tk 200 per litre.

Motorcyclist Md Jewel Chowdhury said he ran out of fuel while travelling with his family after failing to find petrol at any nearby station. Another rider eventually shared some fuel with him.

Some customers alleged that after fresh supplies arrived in the evening, certain filling stations prioritised selling fuel in large jerrycans while ordinary customers waited for hours. They also accused a section of pump operators of creating an artificial shortage to earn higher profits.

Filling station owners rejected the allegations, saying panic buying was the main reason behind the temporary shortage.

"Customers who normally buy Tk 100 worth of fuel are now trying to buy Tk 1,000 or Tk 2,000 worth. We have introduced limits to ensure more people receive fuel," said the owner of Ala & Brothers Filling Station.

Nilphamari District Petrol Pump Owners' Association President Md Akhtar Hossain said unusually high demand, coupled with delays in processing bank pay orders due to weekend closures, had disrupted fuel supplies. He expected the situation to return to normal soon.

Jaldhaka Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jannatul Ferdousi Happy said the administration would begin regular monitoring of all filling stations from Monday. She warned that any evidence of hoarding, artificial shortages or other irregularities would be investigated and legal action taken if found.