As of April 1, 2026, Bangladesh has officially imposed fuel rationing for vehicles, a drastic measure prompted by declining fuel reserves exacerbated by the ongoing US-Iran war. This conflict has severely impacted oil supplies, with almost 90 percent of Asia’s crude oil purchases passing through the critical Strait of Hormuz.
On March 4, 2026, reports indicated that Bangladesh’s diesel reserves had plummeted to just 115,473 tonnes, enough to sustain demand for only nine days. Additionally, the stock of octane has dwindled to 28,152 tonnes, sufficient for nearly two weeks of consumption. Despite these alarming figures, Bangladesh’s energy minister, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, insisted, “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 statement contrasts sharply with the experiences of citizens facing long lines and shortages at fuel stations.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has also begun rationing fuel, capping daily purchases at 50 liters per car, a measure soon mirrored by Slovenia, marking it as the first European country to adopt similar restrictions. The cumulative oil production losses from the US-Israel war against Iran have reached a staggering 133 million barrels by mid-March 2026, prompting the EU’s energy commissioner to acknowledge that fuel rations are being considered as a necessary option to manage energy demand.
Experts warn that if the Middle East crisis continues, companies will be forced to either buy fuel at inflated prices or implement further rationing measures. An unnamed official in the Rahman government remarked, “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.” This sentiment is echoed by Miznur Rahman Ratan, joint convenor of the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association, who noted 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.”
Despite the government’s claims of no crisis, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Bangladesh is currently seeking over $2.5 billion in external financing to support fuel and LNG imports, a clear indication of the financial strain caused by the ongoing energy crisis. Shafiqul Alam, a lead energy analyst, criticized the government’s lack of a long-term plan, stating, “Despite being severely affected by the Russian war in 2022, Bangladesh had no long-term plan to tackle a deeper energy crisis.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact duration of the fuel crisis in Bangladesh and the long-term impact of the US-Iran war on global oil supply. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for both Asia and Europe remain critical, with potential ripple effects on global energy markets.