Commuters, businesses suffer as fuel crisis deepens

Dhaka is grappling with a worsening fuel shortage that has disrupted urban mobility, strained livelihoods, and raised broader concerns over economic stability. Prolonged supply constraints continue to affect transport operations, daily commuting, and the city's supply chains.

Across Motijheel, Gabtoli, Tejgaon, and Shahbagh, petrol and CNG stations have become sites of long queues stretching over a kilometre, with drivers waiting hours without any guarantee of refuelling. Many return empty-handed, losing working hours and income. Ride-sharing drivers, transport workers, and small businesses have been hit hardest, as limited fuel hampers vehicle operation and interrupts supply chains for roadside eateries and small-scale enterprises.

Drivers report that the long waits are taking a toll on both their productivity and health. Ashfaq Hossain, waiting at a petrol pump in Ramna, said, "I have been in line since morning but still haven't reached the station. There is no life left if you have to buy fuel like this." Abdul Baten, a private company driver, added, "Income has decreased, but the daily deposit to the owner remains unchanged. Work pressure has increased and many are falling ill."

Public transport has also been affected, with bus operations reportedly down by 30 to 50 percent due to diesel shortages. 

Passengers face longer waits and higher fares. Abul Kalam Azad, a private-sector employee, said, "Earlier, we could get a bus in 5 to 10 minutes, now we wait more than half an hour. Sometimes we must pay extra fare just to get on the bus." Many commuters have switched to metro rail, rickshaws, or other alternatives, often at higher costs, while hundreds of private vehicles remain idle at fuel stations.

Data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) show over 357,000 private cars registered in Dhaka, with around 30 percent currently inactive. Traffic on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway has fallen from 58,000 vehicles daily in February to 54,000 in March.

The crisis has been linked to volatility in global fuel markets amid Middle East tensions. While the government temporarily rationed fuel in March, supply has not improved significantly. Administrative measures, including reduced office hours and early closure of shopping centres, have been introduced, though businesses argue these exacerbate economic losses.

Transportation delays are also affecting commodity markets. Traders in Karwan Bazar and Shyambazar report rising logistical costs, delayed deliveries, and increased spoilage for perishable goods, pushing prices higher and reducing consumers' purchasing power.

Experts emphasise the structural dimension of the crisis. Dr. Shamsul Haque of BUET said, "To reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka, we must cut dependence on private vehicles and build a modern public transport system."

Commuters, workers, and businesses alike are calling for immediate normalisation of fuel supply, warning that prolonged disruption could further harm economic stability and urban life.