As of early April 2026, fuel rationing has been implemented in several regions of Asia and Europe, primarily driven by the ongoing US-Iran war, which has severely disrupted oil supplies. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imports for approximately 95 percent of its energy needs, has imposed restrictions on fuel purchases due to dwindling reserves.

On March 4, 2026, Bangladesh’s diesel reserves fell to 115,473 tonnes, sufficient for only about nine days of demand. The stock of octane has also declined to 28,152 tonnes, covering nearly two weeks of consumption. An unnamed official in the Rahman government remarked, “The situation is dire. The spot buying is drying up our coffers, but the government can’t help it. We have reserves for less than 10 days.”

In response to the crisis, Bangladesh is seeking over $2.5 billion in external financing to support fuel and LNG imports. Despite the escalating situation, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Bangladesh’s energy minister, insisted, “Let me state clearly, there is no fuel shortage in Bangladesh at this moment. In fact, we have increased supply compared to last year.” This claim, however, is met with skepticism by many, including Miznur Rahman Ratan, a representative of petrol pump owners, who stated, “There is so much chaos at pumps, our workers are getting assaulted by the angry customers who have been forced to return without octane or petrol.”

Meanwhile, Indonesia has also begun rationing fuel, capping daily purchases at 50 liters per car, a measure that Slovenia has mirrored, becoming the first European country to adopt similar restrictions. The cumulative oil production losses from the US-Israel war against Iran have reached a staggering 133 million barrels by mid-March 2026, prompting the EU’s energy commissioner to acknowledge that fuel rations are being considered as an option to manage energy demand.

Almost 90 percent of Asia’s crude oil purchases transit through the Strait of Hormuz, making the region particularly vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. Experts warn that if the Middle East crisis persists, companies will either have to buy fuel at elevated prices or implement further rationing of gas and fuel supplies.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact duration of the fuel crisis in Bangladesh and the long-term impact of the US-Iran war on global oil supply. As the situation evolves, the implications for energy security in both Asia and Europe are becoming increasingly critical.

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A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia at 6:48 AM local time today, with its epicenter located approximately 120 km from Ternate in the North Maluku province. Initial reports indicate that the earthquake resulted in at least one fatality and caused damage to several buildings in the region.

Following the earthquake, small tsunami waves were recorded, measuring up to 20 cm in Bitung and 30 cm in West Halmahera. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center had issued a warning for possible hazardous tsunami waves within a 1,000 km radius of the epicenter, but this warning was lifted after initial assessments indicated no further threat.

Residents experienced strong shaking that lasted between 10 to 20 seconds, leading to panic as many rushed out of their homes. Isvara Safitri, a local resident, described the intensity of the quake, stating, “It was really strong… My head even felt dizzy.” Another resident, Marten Mandagi, recounted, “We had just woken up, and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house.”

As a result of the earthquake, power outages were reported in parts of the affected region, further complicating the response efforts. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35 km, which is relatively shallow and often leads to more intense shaking at the surface.

Tragically, a 70-year-old woman died due to building debris in North Sulawesi, marking the first confirmed fatality from the event. Two aftershocks were recorded following the main quake, but authorities confirmed that neither had tsunami potential.

Indonesia is situated on significant seismic fault lines and frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its position on the Ring of Fire. This latest event underscores the ongoing risks faced by communities in the region, particularly those living along the coast.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s disaster management agency, urged caution, stating, “At this stage, caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast.” As assessments continue, local authorities are working to evaluate the extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.

Details remain unconfirmed as officials gather more information about the impact of the earthquake and the response efforts underway. The situation is evolving, and further updates are expected as more data becomes available.

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