“Fuel has arrived, fuel has arrived!” people shouted in excitement. After a long wait, the prospect of finally getting fuel brought visible relief and joy to everyone present. Drivers who had been sitting idly and the workers at the pump suddenly became lively. After hours of waiting at the Saudan Filling Station in the capital, a fuel tanker finally arrived—one carrying octane and another carrying petrol. For those waiting, the moment felt like the joy of sighting the Eid moon.
A shortage of fuel supply at filling stations across the country, including the capital, still persists. Octane is unavailable in many places, and diesel is also in short supply. Many filling stations remain closed for most of the day. Depots are supplying less than half of the required fuel, leaving customers to endure continued hardship. Visits to several filling stations across the capital revealed varying situations—some stations have no fuel at all, while others have limited supply. Wherever fuel is available, long queues of vehicles can be seen.
The Hajipara station remains closed. In front of the station, a man with a hand microphone repeatedly announces: “No octane. Octane has run out. Diesel is available.” Many drivers who arrive hoping to buy octane are forced to leave after hearing the announcement.
Suppliers allege that depots are still providing less than half of the required octane.
A fuel retailer said, “We are receiving far less than the demand. Under normal circumstances, we need about 17,000 liters of fuel. But now the depot is supplying only around 4,000 to 5,000 liters. With such limited supply, the fuel runs out shortly after opening the pump, which is why we have to keep the station closed most of the time.”
Many stations remain completely closed. Even so, some people continue to wait in the hope of getting fuel. With the Eid travel season approaching, many fear further inconvenience.
At the stations where fuel is available, long lines of vehicles are stretching far along the roads. Drivers often have to wait for extended periods—sometimes two to two and a half hours—to get fuel.
Customers say they want a permanent solution to the long hours of waiting for fuel. Many also question why there is such suffering over octane shortages when it is produced domestically.