As of early April 2026, Bangladesh has imposed fuel rationing for vehicles, a significant response to the declining fuel reserves exacerbated by the ongoing US-Iran war. This situation has unfolded against a backdrop where nearly 90 percent of Asia’s crude oil purchases transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint now under strain.
On March 4, 2026, reports indicated that Bangladesh’s diesel reserves had dwindled to just 115,473 tonnes, enough to sustain demand for only about nine days. The stock of octane was similarly low, with only 28,152 tonnes available, covering nearly two weeks of consumption. Despite these alarming figures, Bangladesh’s energy minister, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, asserted, “Let me state clearly, there is no fuel shortage in Bangladesh at this moment. In fact, we have increased supply compared to last year.” This claim, however, stands in stark contrast to the experiences of citizens facing long lines and empty pumps.
In the wake of these developments, Indonesia has also begun rationing fuel, capping daily purchases at 50 liters per car. Slovenia followed suit, becoming the first European country to impose similar restrictions. This coordinated response highlights the widespread impact of the crisis, as the cumulative oil production losses from the US-Israel war against Iran reached a staggering 133 million barrels by mid-March 2026.
Experts warn that if the Middle East crisis continues, companies may either face elevated fuel prices or implement further rationing measures. The European Union’s energy commissioner has acknowledged that fuel rations are being considered as an option to manage energy demand, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
In Bangladesh, the government is seeking over $2.5 billion in external financing to support fuel and LNG imports, yet some officials express concern over the dire state of reserves. An unnamed official from the Rahman government lamented, “The situation is dire. The spot buying is drying up our coffers, but the government can’t help it. We have reserves for less than 10 days.” Meanwhile, Miznur Rahman Ratan, from the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association, described the chaos at fuel stations, stating, “There is so much chaos at pumps; our workers are getting assaulted by the angry customers who have been forced to return without octane or petrol.”
The socio-political landscape in Bangladesh has been fragile since the anti-government protests in 2024, and this energy crisis adds another layer of complexity. As citizens grapple with fuel shortages, the government maintains its stance that there is no crisis, a narrative that many find hard to accept given the realities at the pumps.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact duration of this fuel crisis, and the long-term implications of the US-Iran war on global oil supplies remain uncertain. Communities across Asia and Europe are now facing the immediate consequences of these geopolitical tensions, with fuel rationing becoming a new norm in daily life.
