NAOGAON, Apr 16: A locally developed fuel management application in Naogaon is gaining widespread popularity for its simplicity, efficiency, and effective monitoring, outpacing the government's 'Fuel Pass' app introduced to ensure transparency in the energy sector.
The 'Fuel Pass' system, currently being piloted in the capital, requires users to register in advance, maintain internet connectivity, and obtain a QR code before purchasing fuel. This process has proven cumbersome for many users, creating barriers to access. In addition, complications arise when the registered vehicle owner differs from the driver, particularly in the case of private cars.
Introduced on April 9 under the initiative of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the Fuel Pass system is being tested at selected filling stations in Dhaka. However, many customers report difficulties in downloading the app and completing registration. As a result, fuel distribution at several stations continues under the traditional system due to server-related issues.
Customers visiting filling stations said they were unable to access the Fuel Pass app, forcing them to rely on previous methods. Pump operators also confirmed that due to technical glitches, including server disruptions, the system has not been functioning as intended.
In contrast, the Naogaon fuel management app-developed under the supervision of the district administration with support from the ICT Division-does not require any user registration.
Instead, filling station staff operate the system through their own accounts, making the process more user-friendly and significantly reducing server load.
A key feature of the app is its dual input system, allowing transactions to be recorded in both litres and monetary value. This reduces complications related to small change and speeds up service delivery. The app also minimizes data redundancy by collecting only essential information, further easing pressure on servers.
Officials say that while the Fuel Pass app must handle data from nearly 59 lakh licensed users nationwide, the Naogaon system operates with a much smaller user base of around 10,000 filling station personnel. This significantly lowers the risk of server overload and enhances system reliability.
The app also requires mandatory input of vehicle mileage at the time of refuelling. Users must update this information for subsequent fuel purchases, effectively preventing fuel hoarding without actual usage. Additionally, the system incorporates fuel distribution for agricultural machinery and generators used in emergency services.
Equipped with number plate scanning technology, real-time monitoring, input-output tracking, and AI-based analytics, the app helps detect suspicious transactions and prevent irregularities in fuel distribution.
Currently, the system is operational in 172 filling stations across five districts-53 in Naogaon, 38 in Rajshahi, 32 in Pabna, 20 in Joypurhat, and 29 in Bogura. A total of 559 fuel station workers are registered on the platform. So far, more than 90,000 vehicles have been recorded, and around 5.1 lakh litres of fuel have been distributed through the system.
Motorcycle rider Abdul Kader Hira said the absence of a registration requirement is the app's biggest advantage, allowing users to purchase fuel directly. Another customer, Kazi Mozammel Haque, noted that the system ensures fair distribution by preventing repeated refuelling through queue manipulation.
Ruhul Amin, Manager of Shakib Filling Station, said the app has replaced manual record-keeping, saving time and reducing hassle. Filling station owner Brajendra Majumdar added that the monetary input feature has minimized issues with small denominations, enabling faster service.
Biplob Chandra Sarkar, a Programmer at the ICT Division and developer of the app, said it is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices and can automatically notify operators of policy changes.
Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam said the locally developed system has ensured transparency and accountability at low cost and could significantly reduce irregularities if implemented nationwide.
