A growing shortage of diesel, petrol, and LPG gas is causing widespread disruption in several districts across the country, leaving farmers struggling to irrigate Boro fields and motorists scrambling for fuel. Reports from Kurigram, Pabna, Khulna, and Munshiganj suggest that the crisis has led to the closure of petrol pumps, limited fuel supplies, and allegations of open-market sales at inflated prices, raising fears of potential impacts on agriculture and transportation if the situation persists.
RAJARHAT (KURIGRAM): A severe fuel shortage has hit Rajarhat Upazila, forcing the closure of two petrol pumps and causing hardship for farmers, transport operators, and local residents.
Local sources said the crisis has intensified in recent days as supplies of diesel, petrol, and octane have remained suspended. With no fuel available, the two petrol pumps in the upazila have temporarily halted sales, leaving many customers returning home empty-handed.
Farmers are among the worst affected as the ongoing agricultural season requires a steady supply of diesel to run shallow engines and irrigation pumps. Many growers fear that irrigation activities may be disrupted if the shortage continues, which could ultimately affect crop production.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Saifunnahar Sathi said both petrol pumps were closed due to the shortage, although a small quantity of diesel is still available for farmers. "The crisis has caused temporary suffering, but the situation may improve within a couple of days if fuel supply resumes," she said.
Rajarhat Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Al Imran said the local administration is monitoring the situation closely.
SATHIA (PABNA): Farmers in Sathia Upazila are also facing serious difficulties in cultivating Boro paddy due to a sudden diesel shortage.
Diesel-powered irrigation pumps are running short of fuel at a critical stage of the Boro season, preventing many farmers from irrigating their fields. Besides paddy, crops such as cucumber, maize, pointed gourd, chilli, and brinjal also require regular irrigation, raising concerns among growers about potential losses.
Farmers visiting markets in search of diesel are often returning empty-handed. Even when small quantities are available, some traders are reportedly selling the fuel at inflated prices ranging from Tk 140 to Tk 150 per litre, far above the official rate of Tk 100.
According to the Sathia Upazila Agriculture Office, the target for Boro cultivation this season is 5,604 hectares of land, of which about 4,250 hectares have already been cultivated. The upazila has around 3,500 diesel-run irrigation machines.
Local farmer Alamin Hossain said he cultivated Boro paddy on nearly three bighas of land but has been unable to irrigate the fields due to a lack of diesel. Another farmer, Hasan Ali, said he needs around 10 litres of diesel daily but is able to collect only five litres from fuel pumps.
PAIKGACHHA (KHULNA): In Paikgachha Upazila, residents are facing renewed unrest over an alleged artificial shortage of fuel oil and LPG gas.
After reports of hidden price hikes surfaced, several oil and gas shops suddenly closed, leaving residents, farmers, and emergency service vehicles in distress. Markets in the municipal area, Kapilmuni, and Chandkhali were found with many locked outlets displaying signs such as "No Oil" or "Gas Finished".
Even the upazila's only petrol pump, Asif Filling Station in Paikgacha Municipality, ran out of stock. Vehicles, including ambulances, were seen waiting for long periods in the hope of refuelling.
Local residents alleged that some traders are deliberately limiting visible supply and selling fuel at higher prices through informal channels. Some retail traders are accused of selling fuel covertly at Tk 150-180 per litre.
Farmers said the shortage is affecting irrigation during the Boro season. Saiful Islam, a farmer from Kapilmuni, said diesel is essential for operating irrigation machines but is now scarce in the market.
MUNSHIGANJ: A similar situation has emerged in Srinagar Upazila, where several filling stations have stopped selling petrol and octane, leaving motorists in difficulty.
Visits to various filling stations on Tuesday revealed loudspeaker announcements declaring "No fuel available", forcing many drivers to leave without refuelling.
Meanwhile, in Srinagar Bazar, the bypass area, and surrounding markets, petrol and octane were being sold openly, with octane priced at Tk 140 per litre.
Local consumers warned that without stricter government monitoring, the crisis could worsen and called on authorities to ensure regular fuel supply and prevent illegal open-market sales.
