Munshiganj motorists face long queues as fuel supply resumes 

 
MUNSHIGANJ, Mar 29: A severe fuel crisis in Munshiganj has triggered chaos after octane supplies resumed at a local filling station for the first time in 12 days. 
The sudden availability drew hundreds of vehicles to the Mohammadia Filling Station in Nimtola on Saturday morning, creating long queues and scenes of disorder.
Motorcyclists, private car owners, and even ambulance drivers reported waiting for hours without success. Many expressed frustration as supplies ran out before they could refuel. "I have been standing in line for two hours, but there is no discipline here and fuel is not reaching us properly," said one private car driver.
The shortage has been particularly acute along the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, where filling stations in Sirajdikhan, Srinagar, and Louhajang upazilas have struggled to maintain supplies for weeks. Residents say the crisis has disrupted daily life and left them desperate for alternatives.
Complaints have also surfaced about fuel being sold in bottles and containers rather than directly to vehicles, further inflaming tensions. Drivers honked in protest, accusing station staff of prioritising bulk buyers over those in urgent need. "I am waiting with an ambulance, but there is no priority for emergency services," said one driver. Another motorcyclist added: "We are standing in the sun while people with bottles get fuel first. This must stop."
Some locals alleged that while pumps remained dry, fuel was available in the open market at inflated prices, leaving ordinary consumers at the mercy of profiteers.
Police were deployed to the station to restore order, but officers admitted struggling to control the crowds. "We are urging everyone to follow instructions to maintain discipline," said one official.
Station owner Dr Amir Hamza Himel explained that only one lorry of octane had arrived after nearly two weeks. "The crisis is due to irregular supplies from the depot. There is no negligence on our part," he said.
Filling station owners across the district insist the shortage stems from inadequate deliveries from depots. They warn that unless supplies are stabilised quickly, the situation could deteriorate further, deepening public hardship.