DHAKA, Mar 6: The government of Bangladesh has issued new guidelines regulating the purchase and supply of fuel at filling stations amid growing concerns over a potential fuel shortage linked to rising tensions in the Middle East.

The directives were announced on Friday by the Energy Department of Bangladesh following reports of panic buying and long queues at fuel stations in Dhaka and other parts of the country.

Authorities said concerns about a possible global fuel crisis have intensified after recent military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, raising fears of disruptions in the regional energy market that could impact fuel supplies worldwide, including Bangladesh.

Large crowds have been reported at several filling stations in the capital, with some incidents of arguments and scuffles breaking out among motorists waiting in line as many attempt to store additional fuel.

Under the new directives, consumers must present a purchase receipt indicating the type, quantity and price of fuel when obtaining fuel from filling stations. They will also be required to show the previous purchase receipt each time they buy fuel.

Dealers have been instructed to supply fuel strictly according to allocated quotas and in compliance with official guidelines. Filling stations must also report their fuel storage and sales data to designated depots before drawing additional supplies.

The guidelines further state that oil marketing companies will review storage and sales records based on current allocations before supplying fuel to dealers, and under no circumstances will fuel be supplied beyond the approved quota.