Drivers block Jamalpur-Tangail-Dhaka highway over CNG shortage

CNG-powered auto-rickshaw drivers blocked the Jamalpur-Tangail-Dhaka highway on Thursday morning, demanding adequate gas supplies and the construction of another CNG filling station in Jamalpur.

The drivers blocked the highway in front of Javed Filling Station in the city’s bypass area around 8am, halting local and long-distance traffic.

Drivers said they have faced a severe gas shortage for nearly two months. Although they need CNG worth Tk 400-500 a day, they often receive only Tk 80-100 after waiting in line for 11-12 hours.

Jamalpur has only one CNG filling station, forcing drivers from different upazilas to travel 40-50km to the district town to refuel. They said the small amount of gas they receive is often consumed during the journey to and from the station.

Akash, an auto-rickshaw driver from Dewanganj, said his vehicle requires about Tk 500 worth of gas, but he often gets only Tk 80-100. “By the time I return home, the gas is finished. When will I earn money by driving passengers?” he said.

Atiqul Rahman Babar, managing director of Javed Filling Station, said the station was not responsible for the shortage, as it was not receiving adequate gas supplies.

Nazmul Jannat Shah, an inspector at Jamalpur Sadar Police Station, said police were at the scene and trying to persuade the drivers to end the blockade.

SKS