RAJSHAHI, Apr 17: A severe fuel crisis has gripped Rajshahi, mirroring shortages reported across the country, with the situation yet to return to normal even after a month.
The disruption in the supply of petrol and octane has left motorists facing acute hardship, forcing many to queue overnight at filling stations in the hope of securing fuel.
Drivers are spending sleepless nights on roadsides, enduring mosquito bites and discomfort, while daytime conditions offer little relief as intense heat leaves many physically unwell despite taking precautions. The prolonged waiting time has also triggered frequent altercations between customers and filling station staff, as frustration grows over limited supplies.
Fuel deliveries are reportedly being made to stations only once every two to three days, exacerbating the crisis. Filling station operators claim they are not receiving adequate fuel from depots to meet daily demand, making it impossible to ensure uninterrupted sales.
A visit to several filling stations across Rajshahi City on Friday morning revealed long queues of vehicles stretching far along the roads. Many customers, despite waiting for hours, were unable to obtain fuel. Due to excessive demand and limited stock, pump authorities are rationing fuel, often refusing to provide more than a fixed amount per vehicle. This has not only lengthened waiting times but also intensified public dissatisfaction.
Affected drivers say the delays are preventing them from reaching destinations on time, severely impacting their livelihoods. Public transport operators and drivers of rental vehicles, in particular, report significant income losses. They have called for urgent government intervention to resolve the crisis.
At a filling station in Bhugroil, where fuel was being distributed, the queue of motorcycles reportedly stretched nearly a kilometre, reaching the Baya Shishu Sadan area. A motorcyclist, Farid Uddin, expressed frustration, saying he had waited in line for six hours five days earlier to purchase fuel worth Tk 300, which is now nearly exhausted. "I am standing in line again today, but I don't know when I will get fuel," he said, hoping for a swift end to the ordeal.
Another driver, Rabbi, questioned the authorities' inaction. "Is the government not seeing how much time we are losing standing in these queues? We hear there is sufficient fuel in the country, so why are we not getting it?" he asked.
Rakib Hossain, Manager of a filling station near Rajshahi Airport, said they are not receiving the required volume of fuel from depots. "We are selling whatever we receive. Some drivers queue daily to buy more fuel than necessary, depriving others," he added.
Similarly, Md Faruk, Manager of Afrin Filling Station, said supply is far below demand. Fuel that would normally last a week is now being sold out within hours due to excessive pressure, leaving many customers empty-handed and fuelling tensions.
While diesel supply has reportedly increased slightly compared to petrol and octane, drivers say it remains insufficient. Long-distance truck and bus operators have reduced fares or suspended operations due to fuel shortages, leading to financial losses.
At the Nowdapara truck terminal, driver Jasim Ali said he had to forgo a Tk 16,000 trip due to lack of fuel. "If this continues, we won't survive. We have families and expenses to bear," he said.
Nazrul Islam Helal, General Secretary of the Rajshahi District Road Transport Owners Group, said the crisis has forced nearly half of the vehicles off the roads. "We have appealed to the government to resolve the issue urgently," he added.
Mominul Haque, President of the Rajshahi Petrol Pump Owners Association, echoed similar concerns.
However, Mahbubur Rahman, Assistant General Manager of Padma Oil Company PLC, said that supply levels remain nearly unchanged, but demand has surged significantly.
