CAB Kishoreganj urges public disclosure of fuel stocks to prevent panic

Consumers are suffering due to the manipulation by unscrupulous traders and some petrol pump owners amid the fuel crisis caused by the Iran war, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Kishoreganj, has alleged.

The Consumers Rights Protection Organization, CAB, has urged authorities to ensure a transparent process in the supply, storage, and distribution of fuel oil.

The demand was made in a press release sent to the media on Friday. It was signed by CAB Kishoreganj District President Alam Sarowar Tito, Executive President Advocate Maya Bhowmick, General Secretary Monowar Hossein Rony, and Joint Secretary Sadek Ahamed.

CAB stated that despite claims by the government and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) of adequate fuel stocks and supply, in reality, most pumps display signs reading “No Diesel” or “No Octane.” As a result, car owners and drivers have to spend hours, and sometimes even days, at pumps to obtain fuel.

CAB leaders alleged that due to a lack of surveillance, cases of illegal oil sales in the open market, storage in warehouses, and even theft of oil from pipelines and transportation have increased.

Despite evidence of these irregularities found in law enforcement operations, no effective action has been taken.

To address confusion in the current situation, the organization has called for publicly announcing which pumps have oil stocks and disseminating this information through local media and social media. The organization believes this will reduce unnecessary rushes by customers.

In addition, emphasis is placed on strict surveillance in coordination with district and upazila administrations, regular monitoring of pump-based storage data, and provision of accurate information to the public.

CAB District President Alam Sarowar Tito also said that considering the wartime situation, it is important to adopt fuel-efficient policies. He called for reducing the use of private cars, encouraging the use of public transport, ensuring fuel efficiency in government and private institutions, and strengthening citizen vigilance.

CAB believes that the current energy crisis can be largely overcome if coordinated initiatives and transparency are ensured.