Dhaka, March 5 -- Escalating tensions in the Middle East have triggered a wave of panic-buying across fuel stations in Dhaka, with vehicle owners forming long queues to top up their tanks amid fears of a supply crisis or price hike.

Since Wednesday night, filling stations in the capital have seen a massive surge in demand as cars and motorcycles lined up, with some queues spilling over onto main roads and causing significant traffic congestion.

Pump workers said they have neither received any instructions nor seen any signs that a price increase is imminent.

At the "Eureka Enterprise" pump in Mohakhali, staff reported that the usual flow of vehicles has multiplied.

"Most people are opting for full tanks," said Rezaul Karim, a pump wor...