Fuel shortage halts sales at petrol pumps in Keshabpur

Petrol pumps in Keshabpur and surrounding areas have run out of fuel since Saturday night, leaving motorists and farmers struggling to obtain petrol, diesel and octane even at higher prices.

According to local sources, besides the dealer authorised by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, five petrol pumps in the upazila had been selling fuel on a rationed basis over the past two days. However, from around 10:00 am on Sunday, the pumps suspended sales after their fuel stocks were depleted.

Pump authorities blocked the entrances with ropes and bamboo and hung notices announcing the temporary suspension of petrol, diesel and octane sales due to the shortage. As a result, many customers who arrived at the stations were forced to return without fuel.

Atiar Rahman, who travelled about 13 kilometres to Keshabpur town in search of petrol, said that on Saturday, some pumps were selling only two litres of petrol per motorcycle. “On Monday, however, sales have stopped completely,” he said.

AshitSen, a grocery shop owner in the town, said that in recent days petrol was being sold in the open market at inflated prices ranging from Tk150 to Tk170 per litre. “But on Monday petrol, octane and diesel could not be found anywhere, even at higher prices,” he added.

The fuel shortage has raised concerns among farmers, as the region is currently in the peak season for Boro rice cultivation. Farmers fear the crisis may disrupt irrigation and other farming activities.

However, until the filing of this report, no effective measures had been taken by the administration to address the situation.