Motorcyclists queue in tightly packed rows at a filling station in Keraniganj's Kadamtali area on Sunday, waiting for hours to refuel despite recent hikes in fuel prices. — FE Photo by Shafiqul Alam Motorists and bikers endured long wait on Sunday, with many forced to queue for more than 24 hours to refuel at petrol pumps across the capital, as fuel-supply situation showed no signs of easing despite the price hike of fuels.
The government raised fuel prices to record highs, which came into effect on Saturday midnight. Under the new rates, diesel now costs Tk 115 per litre, up from Tk 100, octane Tk 140, up from Tk 120, petrol Tk 135, up from Tk 116, and kerosene Tk 130, up from Tk 112.
The now-familiar sight of long queues in front of filling stations has been worsening by the day, with no sign of letting up.
Drivers waited in frustration as long queues of cars, motorcycles, buses and trucks stretched for kilometres outside filling stations in Motijheel and surrounding areas.
"I came at 9:00am on Saturday and am still waiting for my turn for refuelling," said Md Mohsin, a microbus driver, speaking to the FE near M/S HK Filling Station adjacent to T&T School and College in Motijheel at around 4:00pm Sunday.
His plight was echoed by Md Imran, a private car driver, who arrived at the same station around 8:00am on Saturday. By 4:30pm Sunday, he remained waiting.
Drivers who spent more than 24 hours in their vehicles described severe hardship, saying they struggled to eat, sleep or attend to basic needs. "I spent the whole day half-starved, waiting for my turn," said Md Khorsed Alam, a driver of a private car.
Some motorists, however, reported comparatively shorter wait. "I managed to refuel after waiting around six hours," said Md Liakat, a motorcyclist at Karim and Sons Filling Station near Motijheel Shapla Chattar.
Many drivers waiting in front of Pubali Filling Station near Motijheel Metro Railway Station questioned why queues persisted despite official statements that fuel oil supplies to petrol pumps had been increased. Sector insiders point to potential hoarding and distribution inefficiencies.
They have urged the government to impose strict monitoring and take decisive action against syndicates allegedly stockpiling fuel to manipulate the market. Otherwise, the situation could spiral beyond control, they warned.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
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