Fuel crunch hits ride-sharing drivers hard 

In recent years, motorcycle ride-sharing services have become a lifeline for urban commuters and a key source of income for many in Dhaka. But a month-long disruption in fuel supply, reportedly linked to global energy market instability, has left drivers facing operational and financial strain.

Imam Hossain, a driver, described the worsening situation, "I need 3 to 4 litres of oil daily. Some pumps offer it at 200 taka, some at 300. How many times will I use this oil and still feed myself? Our income is now ending up in the oil line."

Across the capital on Thursday, long queues at filling stations highlighted the continued disruption. Drivers like Md Palash Khalifa, who supports a family of five, said daily earnings have dropped sharply. 

"Earlier, I earned 1500-2000 taka daily. Now it has reduced significantly. Passengers don't consider our fuel costs. Even if we request a slightly higher fare, they refuse." 

Uncertain fuel supply, long queues hampering daily earnings

He also criticized ride-sharing platforms: "There are no bonuses for drivers now, but passengers still get discounts."

Fuel supply at retail stations has remained inconsistent, with several stations operating intermittently while others remain closed. Drivers report reduced working hours, income loss, and uncertainty for passengers. 

Ruhul Amin, outside Karim and Sons station in Motijheel, alleged irregularities in distribution, claiming that up to 70 per cent of stations in Dhaka are closed or rationing fuel. 

"Some drivers hoard fuel. Pump owners divert it. The government should conduct raids with magistrates," he said.

While some blame local market manipulation, others point to global factors. Imam Hossain added, "The war situation and global oil crisis are beyond anyone's control. I do not want to blame the government. Earlier, I could support my family properly, but now I struggle to manage daily expenses."

Government officials maintain that the problem stems from panic buying, not supply shortages. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku told Parliament, "There is no shortage in fuel supply. Occasional queues are due to consumer panic."

For Dhaka's ride-sharing drivers, fuel access is directly tied to income stability. With long queues, inconsistent availability, and rising costs, drivers face a daily struggle to sustain livelihoods, while commuters encounter irregular service. 

The situation underscores the vulnerability of urban informal workers to global energy volatility and highlights the urgent need for better regulatory oversight and equitable distribution in the fuel sector.