Dhaka, March 15 -- A number of fuel pumps in the capital suspended operations on Saturday as they ran out of petrol and octane amid a surge in panic buying.

Visits by The Financial Express found fuel pump entrances blocked with ropes and signs stating, "No petrol or octane." Many motorists waited at the gates hoping for a refill but left utterly disappointed.

"I took fuel on Friday, but my bike ran out. There is no way to go without fuel, so I am just standing here," said Md Monir, a biker at a Motijheel petrol pump.

He added that he eventually refuelled after waiting one and a half hours.

Md Sanwar, a commuter at Meghna Filling Station opposite Dhaka College, said, "I have visited four different pumps since morning, and all of them a...