PAIKGACHHA, KHULNA, Apr 26: Petrol and octane are reportedly being sold in the open market at Tk 250 to Tk 300 per litre in Paikgachha Upazila of Khulna, triggering public anger and concern.
Locals are questioning whether this is a genuine fuel shortage or a coordinated market manipulation by a syndicate.
Allegations suggest that petrol and octane are being openly sold in bottles and gallons at inflated prices in several areas, including the Paikgachha municipal micro-stand, Village Paikgachha, Boaliar Mor, Agorgatha, Kapilmuni, and various markets such as Shoshithala, Katipara, Banka Bazar, Katakhali, Chandkhali and Alamtala. The fuel is reportedly being sold at nearly double the government-fixed price.
Locals say that with only one filling station operating in Paikgachha and nearby Koyra Upazila, supply cannot meet demand. Long queues are common, and even after waiting, many people fail to get fuel. Although supply arrives every one or two days, it is insufficient. Octane users are particularly affected due to irregular availability.
In this situation, an alleged group is collecting petrol and octane from fuel pumps, storing them and selling them in the open market at higher prices. Locals say this has increased transport costs and is also affecting the prices of essential goods.
Shahjahan Ali, a local resident, said they can no longer get fuel at normal prices. "We are forced to buy expensive fuel even for urgent travel by motorcycle. Household expenses have increased, but no one is addressing the issue," he said.
Another motorcyclist, Robiul, said that even after standing in long queues at fuel stations, they often fail to get fuel. "We have no choice but to buy from the open market. Ordinary people are suffering the most," he added.
While global fuel price fluctuations and supply conditions have an impact in Bangladesh, locals question whether the unusual price hike in Paikgachha is purely a shortage or a strategy to create artificial scarcity and control the market.
They have demanded strict monitoring by authorities, regular drives against illegal fuel trading, and action to break the alleged syndicate. They also called for ensuring adequate and consistent fuel supply at filling stations.
Amid all this, the question in Paikgachha remains-fuel crisis or market manipulation-has now become a daily reality for ordinary people rather than just a debate.
