Bangladesh Rations Fuel Amid Mideast Crisis

Bangladesh initiated nationwide fuel rationing on Sunday, March 8, 2026, as international tensions exacerbate energy supply issues.

The country, heavily reliant on imports for 95 percent of its oil and gas, introduced restrictions on fuel sales for most vehicles following attacks and retaliatory strikes in the Gulf.

Authorities have capped purchases, with motorcyclists limited to a maximum of two liters per tank. This move aims to manage panic buying and hoarding. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) stated that consumers tend to over-purchase during crises.

Earlier on Saturday night, a 25-year-old man died in Jhenaidah after an argument with filling station staff, leading to public anger, the torching of three buses, and vandalism.

Long queues formed at petrol stations across the capital, Dhaka, as the rationing took effect. Some customers expressed frustration over the limited amounts they could purchase. An official noted a near doubling of customers.

Meanwhile, five of Bangladesh's six fertilizer factories have temporarily closed until March 18 due to the current energy situation.