Dhaka, April 14 -- Motorists across the capital endured hours-long waits at filling stations on Monday as an unusual surge in demand, driven by panic buying, led to widespread queues and disruptions in fuel supply.

Long queues of cars, motorcycles, pick-ups and buses were seen at pumps, with drivers spending several hours to purchase octane, petrol and diesel, as well as refill compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

In many areas, queues stretched two to three kilometres, while some filling stations were forced to shut after running out of stock.

"I had to wait at least three hours to get fuel," said Shah Alam, a private car driver, at a filling station near Motijheel.

"We are facing immense suffering as refue...