Dhaka, March 24 -- Rajshahi is facing a severe fuel shortage, with most of the district's filling stations shut and the rest running low on stock, causing untold suffering for drivers and other customers.

Many people are returning empty-handed even after waiting in line for hours.

Anisur Rahman Shimul, general secretary of the Rajshahi District Petrol Pump Owners' Association, said most pumps had run out of stock before Eid.

"As a result, there has been virtually no supply of petrol and octane up to the third day of Eid," he said.

People familiar with the situation said petrol supply from the depot was meeting only 30 to 35 percent of demand, while octane supply had nearly stopped altogether. Diesel supply was at only 60 to 70 percent...