RAJSHAHI, March 6, (V7N) - A shortage of petrol and octane has gripped Rajshahi division, forcing bikers and drivers to wait in long queues at filling stations. Many pumps have temporarily closed after running out of supply, while others are selling fuel in limited quantities.

According to the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, there are 279 filling stations across eight districts of Rajshahi division. For the past three days, these stations have faced reduced supply, making the crisis visible in Rajshahi city since Thursday.

Drivers reported being unable to purchase fuel as per demand. Some stations restricted sales to Tk 200–500 per customer. Resident Bakhtiar Shahriar said he had to visit three stations to buy Tk 1,000 worth of petrol, receiving only partial amounts at each.

Association General Secretary Abdul Jalil explained that the shortage stems from disruptions in supply chains due to the ongoing Iran war in the Middle East. He added that hoarding by customers after the conflict began has worsened the crisis.

The shortage has caused widespread frustration among commuters, with many forced to visit multiple pumps in search of fuel.

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