As of early April 2026, the geopolitical landscape has dramatically shifted, particularly due to the ongoing US-Iran war, which has severely impacted global oil supplies. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imports for approximately 95 percent of its energy needs, has been forced to impose fuel rationing for vehicles. This decision comes as the country faces a critical decline in fuel reserves, with diesel stocks dwindling to just 115,473 tonnes, enough for only about nine days of consumption.
On March 4, 2026, the situation escalated when reports indicated that octane stocks in Bangladesh had fallen to 28,152 tonnes, sufficient for nearly two weeks. An unnamed official in the Rahman government expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “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 stark reality has led to chaos at fuel pumps, with customers expressing frustration over limited access to fuel.
In response to similar pressures, Indonesia has also implemented fuel rationing, capping daily purchases at 50 liters per car. Slovenia followed suit, becoming the first European nation to adopt the same cap. The cumulative oil production losses from the US-Israel war against Iran have reached a staggering 133 million barrels by mid-March 2026, further complicating the energy crisis.
The European Union’s energy commissioner has acknowledged that fuel rations are being considered as a viable option to manage energy demand amid these challenges. As countries grapple with the fallout from the conflict, the implications for energy security are profound.
Despite the mounting evidence of a fuel crisis, Bangladesh’s energy minister, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, has publicly claimed, “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 and fuel station operators, such as Miznur Rahman Ratan, who reported assaults on workers due to customer frustration.
Experts warn that if the Middle East crisis continues, companies will face the choice of purchasing fuel at elevated prices or implementing further rationing measures. The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the fuel crisis in Bangladesh remains, as does the long-term impact of the US-Iran war on global oil supply. Details remain unconfirmed.
As the situation evolves, the implications of fuel rationing in both Asia and Europe will likely resonate across economies, affecting everything from transportation to food supply chains. The urgency for countries to secure energy resources has never been more critical, as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt traditional supply routes.