Bangladesh, April 20 -- Long queues of vehicles stretched across major thoroughfares in the capital on Sunday, as motorists waited for hours to purchase fuel despite a recent government decision to raise prices.

The increase, officials had suggested, would help stabilize supply and ease sufferings. Instead, consumers say their hardship has only deepened.

From the early hours of the morning, filling stations in areas such as Asad Gate, Paribagh and Tejgaon witnessed a familiar surge of motorcycles and private cars lining up under a rationing system that limits fuel sales per vehicle.

Many drivers reported waiting since dawn without securing their required amount of fuel.

At several stations, authorities imposed strict caps, allowing on...