NN Online:
Fuel traders and tanker lorry owners in Khulna have launched an eight-hour strike, demanding the government address a 10-point charter that includes increasing sales commissions and ending unauthorized fuel sales without dealership.
The strike, organized by the Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council, began at 6:00 AM Sunday and is set to continue until 2:00 PM.
As part of the protest, fuel extraction from Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna depots in Kashipur and Khalishpur has been suspended. Tankers have been parked in front of the depots, halting all distribution activities.
Fuel supply disruptions have affected five districts in the Khulna division and five more in the greater Faridpur region, bringing petrol pump operations and tanker movements to a standstill.
According to association leaders, they have repeatedly urged the authorities to revise the commission structure, which has remained unchanged despite a rise in fuel prices. They are demanding a minimum 7% commission per litre of fuel sold.
The 10-point demand includes:
Retaining previous lease fees for Roads and Highways Department-managed land and roads
Automatic lease renewal upon payment order submission
Restricting BSTI’s role to fuel dispenser calibration only and reinstating earlier fees
Abolishing underground tank calibration, dip rod testing charges, and mandatory registration
Exempting petrol pumps from environmental, boiler, and fire service licensing, arguing they are not industrial units but commission-based businesses
Stopping illegal fuel sales from homes and open spaces
Prohibiting direct fuel sales by marketing companies without dealerships
Simplifying licensing and renewal for tanker drivers to address driver shortages
Banning arbitrary roadside checks and limiting document verification to depot gates
Issuing inter-district route permits for all tanker lorries
Leaders have warned of launching an indefinite strike if their demands are not met promptly. They urged the government to resolve these issues urgently to avoid further disruption to the national fuel supply chain.
