Bangladesh fuel shortage shuts Dhaka stations as Iran crisis drags on

Most fuel stations in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka were close Tuesday (March 24) due to a shortage of octane and diesel, as the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman moves to stabilise the economy in a worsening global energy outlook due to the Iran war.

"Even after pre-orders, deliveries were not met," said Aminul Islam, the assistant manager of a local fuel station.

The closure of fuel stations comes after Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, the prime minister's adviser on finance and planning, said Friday (March 20) that Bangladesh was seeking billions in external financing to secure fuel and liquefied natural gas imports.

The nation of 175 million relies on imports for about 95% of its energy needs, and state-run agencies have increasingly turned to the volatile market to plug the gap.

Production: Amy McConaghy/Reuters