Northern Districts: Tanker workers’ strike disrupts fuel supply

A growing fuel crisis in northern Bangladesh has intensified following an indefinite shutdown of petrol stations across eight districts, in protest against the imprisonment and fines imposed on three tanker workers.

The move, spearheaded by the Rangpur Division Tanker Workers’ Union, began on Sunday morning and has effectively brought fuel supply in the region to a halt.

Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, citizens across the country have been struggling to obtain fuel for their vehicles.

Long queues at filling stations have become a daily occurrence, and reports of scuffles and altercations over fuel purchases have been frequent.

The latest shutdown has sparked fears of a more severe crisis if the issue is not resolved promptly, officials warn.

The protest was triggered after a mobile court in Nilphamari district sentenced three workers – Ekramul Haque, tanker driver Shree Krishna Chandra, and assistant Rifat – to six months’ imprisonment and imposed a total fine of Tk 100,000.

The ruling came after authorities accused the workers of illegally transporting fuel during a breakdown of their tanker en route from the Parbatipur Railhead Oil Depot to Nilphamari.

According to the workers, the tanker experienced a mechanical fault, prompting them to stop and open the cabin to carry out repairs.

At this time, Nilphamari’s NDC Niyaz Bhuiyan allegedly conducted a mobile court on the roadside, seizing two jerricans containing 10 litres of petrol and 2 litres of diesel from the vehicle.

The three workers were subsequently sentenced for purportedly transporting fuel illegally.

In response, the tanker workers launched an indefinite strike on Sunday morning.

They assembled at the Parbatipur Railhead Oil Depot and staged a protest march, demanding the immediate release of their colleagues and the removal of NDC Niyaz Bhuiya.

The union has issued an ultimatum: if their demands are not met within 48 hours, the strike will continue and escalate.

“At no point were our workers involved in fuel theft. They were only repairing the tanker,” said Ataur Rahman, president of the Rangpur Division Tanker Workers’ Union.

“The imposition of imprisonment and fines is unjust. Unless the jailed workers are released immediately and the responsible NDC is removed, our protest will persist and intensify.”

The Union’s General Secretary, Manjurul Islam, echoed these sentiments, stating that the strike enjoys the solidarity of petrol pump owners across Rangpur’s eight districts, including Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Panchagarh, and Thakurgaon.

This collective action has resulted in the suspension of fuel delivery and distribution throughout the northern region, with pumps depleting their existing stock.

Ahsan Habib, in charge of the Parbatipur Railhead Oil Depot, confirmed that no tankers arrived to collect fuel on Sunday due to the strike.

“Currently, the depot holds 3.2 million litres of diesel, 65,000 litres of petrol, and 84,000 litres of octane. Fuel supply will resume once the strike is lifted,” he said.

Petrol pump owners in Nilphamari have reported running out of fuel as the strike continues. Shamsul Haque, owner of M/S Haque Filling Station, said: “We strongly support the workers’ protest.

Unless the court’s ruling is overturned, it will be impossible to resume normal fuel distribution.

Our stocks, which included 5,000 litres of petrol and 6,000 litres of diesel, were exhausted by late morning.”

Similarly, Raja Ahmed, manager of Raja Filling Station in Nilphamari Sadar, explained the logistical difficulties they face.

“Even when fuel arrives, distribution is often delayed by a day due to the volume of demand.

Yet, magistrates have imposed fines without proper cause, affecting our operations and financial stability,” he said.

The strike has heightened concerns among residents and authorities alike, as the northern districts face complete fuel shortages.

Authorities have stressed that appeals against the mobile court’s decision remain possible, with the additional district administrator, Jyoti Bikash Chandra, noting that “the court acted in accordance with the law.”

Adding to the tension, a separate incident in Narail district has further strained fuel distribution and local security.

On Saturday night, a dispute over unavailable diesel at M/S Tanvir Filling and Gas Station led to the alleged killing of pump manager Nahid Sardar by truck driver Sujat Molla.

According to witnesses, Molla attempted to forcibly obtain fuel, and when refused, pursued Sardar on a truck, resulting in Sardar’s death and the injury of his colleague Jihad Molla.

This incident prompted the temporary closure of ten petrol pumps in Narail as a mark of protest and mourning.

Family members of the deceased have expressed shock and grief. “My husband was killed without reason. I want justice,” said Afia Khatun, Sardar’s widow.

“Our child is now an orphan, and the perpetrators must face the law.” Residents described the family as law-abiding and peaceful, with no prior disputes with the alleged attacker.

Authorities are investigating both the strike and the Narail incident. Sheikh Sekandar Ali, officer-in-charge of the local highway police, stated that CCTV footage and other evidence are being reviewed, and that the truck and driver involved are being pursued.

The Rangpur Division Tanker Workers’ Union has made it clear that the protest will not cease until their demands are met: the release of imprisoned workers and the removal of the NDC responsible for the contested rulings.

Authorities now face mounting pressure to mediate and prevent further escalation that could destabilise fuel supplies across northern districts.