DUMURIA, KHULNA, Apr 1: Residents of Dumuria Upazila in Khulna are facing acute fuel shortage for a long time, with only four petrol pumps in the entire upazila struggling to meet demand.
Due to insufficient supply, people are forced to stand in long queues for hours, only to return empty-handed or with a very small amount of fuel.
The crisis has caused severe hardship for motorcyclists, private car owners, and public transport workers alike.
A spot visit revealed long queues of hundreds of vehicles forming at the pumps even before fresh stock arrives. In many cases, after waiting two to three hours, customers receive fuel worth only Tk 100 to 200. Often, after serving just 100 to 150 vehicles, pump authorities announce that stock has run out, leaving most people in the queue frustrated and disappointed.
Locals said the prolonged waiting and failure to get required fuel are badly disrupting their daily work and income.
Many suspect the crisis may be artificial, created by a syndicate or dishonest elements, and have demanded a proper investigation.
Pump owners claimed they are receiving far less fuel from the companies than the actual demand, forcing them to sell limited quantities.
According to information available until March 30, 2026, a nationwide drive against fuel irregularities is underway. So far, 53 cases have been filed, around Tk 75 lakh in fines imposed, 16 people sentenced to various terms of imprisonment, and approximately 2.08 lakh litres of fuel seized.
Allegations of creating artificial shortages (denying stock despite having reserves), weight manipulation, and selling fuel above the fixed price have been proven in many instances.
The government has planned to import a large quantity of fuel in April. People in Dumuria and across the country hope that strict monitoring by the administration will quickly resolve the crisis and bring relief to public life.
Locals have urged higher authorities to intervene immediately to end the suffering.
