Dhaka, March 23 -- Fuel oil has been scarce at petrol pumps across the country, starting from Dhaka. A severe shortage of petrol and octane has been reported nationwide, although most pumps continue to supply diesel.

Mosharraf Hossain set out from Dhaka for Bhairab on a motorcycle in the morning. He said he failed to find fuel after visiting more than 30 pumps. Eventually, he managed to buy fuel worth Tk 300 from a pump in Narsingdi. Pumps in Dhaka also had no fuel on Monday morning. Most had run out on Sunday as well.

Nazmul Haque, president of the Petrol Pump Owners and Dealers Association, told bdnews24.com that owners were unable to issue pay orders due to bank closures, preventing them from ensuring fuel supplies. Hence, pumps have...