Fuel Rumours Trigger Long Queues at Petrol Stations

Long queues formed at petrol stations across Nilphamari after rumours of an impending fuel shortage spread widely on Facebook, prompting anxious motorists to rush to refill their vehicles. The surge in demand began on the night of Thursday, 23 July, and continued until around 11:00 a.m. on Friday, 24 July, as many people attempted to secure extra fuel despite official assurances that supplies remained stable.

According to reports from across the district, motorists queued for extended periods at filling stations, with motorcycles, private cars, microbuses and other vehicles lining up in unusually large numbers. The sudden influx of customers was significantly higher than on a typical day, leading to lengthy waiting times and temporary congestion at fuel stations.

The panic buying was fuelled by claims circulating on social media and through word of mouth suggesting that fuel supplies would soon become scarce. Concerned about the possibility of future shortages, many motorists not only filled their vehicle tanks but also purchased additional fuel in jerry cans and plastic containers. This spike in demand created pressure on filling stations, even though there was no indication of any disruption to the fuel distribution network.

A motorcycle rider waiting at Ayub Filling Station in Syedpur said he had come after hearing rumours of a possible fuel shortage. He added that standing in queues for several hours was particularly difficult for working people who depended on their vehicles for their daily livelihoods.

Operators of several filling stations in Dimla Upazila, including Messrs Aftab Filling Station, Messrs Alam Filling Station and Messrs Teesta Filling Station, said fuel deliveries from the depot were continuing as scheduled. They confirmed that they had received no instructions regarding any reduction or suspension of fuel supplies.

Station authorities explained that the unusually high customer turnout was driven entirely by public anxiety rather than any actual shortage. They stressed that if motorists purchased fuel according to their normal requirements, there would be no risk of an artificial supply crisis caused by panic buying.

The Nilphamari District Administration also moved quickly to reassure the public. Officials stated that the district has sufficient fuel reserves and that the supply chain is operating normally without interruption. They urged residents not to believe unverified information circulating on social media and advised consumers to purchase fuel only as needed.

Nilphamari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman reiterated that there is no fuel shortage in the district and that the distribution system remains fully operational. He appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary stockpiling, warning that panic-driven buying can create temporary pressure at filling stations even when supplies are adequate.

The incident highlights how misinformation shared through social media can rapidly influence consumer behaviour, leading to avoidable congestion and public inconvenience. Authorities have again encouraged people to verify information through official sources and to refrain from acting on unconfirmed rumours that could disrupt otherwise normal services.