Launches on Kaptai Lake may halt due to fuel crisis

Rangamati’s Kaptai Lake may soon see passenger launches suspended due to a severe fuel shortage, potentially disrupting travel for people in six upazilas.

According to the Rangamati District Launch Owners Association, around 30-35 passenger launches operate daily between the district town and the upazilas of Baghaichhari, Langadu, Barkal, Juraichhari, Bilaichhari, and Naniarchar. Each launch consumes 1,000 to 1,200 liters of fuel per day. While fuel supply was normal before Eid, pumps have been unable to meet demand since the festival, raising concerns among launch owners that services may have to stop.

Owners warn that without fuel, there will be no choice but to halt launch operations.

Bishwajit De, a lineman at the Reserve Bazar Launch Ghat, said, “Our fuel will run out in a day or two. The situation is critical. Without fuel, launches cannot operate, and passengers will face serious difficulties.”

Residents are worried about the impact. Supayan Chakma of Barkal Upazila said, “If launches stop, there is no alternative to reach the district town except speedboats, which are far more expensive. People will have to pay two to three times the fare and risk traveling on smaller boats.”

Suresh Chakma of Juraichhari Upazila added, “During the dry season, water levels already make navigation difficult. A fuel shortage will make travel much harder, especially for urgent hospital visits and official work in the district town.”

Moin Uddin Selim, chairman of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Rangamati zone, stated that fuel for launches on Kaptai Lake was supplied by Messrs Anukul Enterprise at Reserve Bazar. However, the company has informed that it cannot provide fuel from Tuesday onwards. BIWTA currently has only enough fuel for one day of operations, and launches may halt from Wednesday if the supply is not restored.

The issue has been reported to the district administration and BIWTA’s Chattogram Deputy Director.
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi said, “We are monitoring the situation. Discussions with launch owners will be held to find a solution.”