Long queues continue at city's fuel pumps

FE REPORT

Drivers and motorcyclists faced long queues for hours at fuel pumps in the capital amid scorching heat and humid weather to refuel vehicles on Saturday.

All the pumps that were dispensing fuel faced overwhelming crowds. Motorists reported long waiting hours, with some queues stretching for kilometres in areas like Motijheel, Tejgaon, and Paribag, causing their physical distress.

The fuel crisis increased daily operating cost and caused immense inconvenience to ride-sharing drivers and private car owners.

"I had to wait for at least three hours to get my bike refuelled," Md Kamrul Islam, a biker, told the FE at Paribag Filling Station.

"I refuelled my car after waiting one and a half hours," Md Jainal, a private car driver, told the FE at Trust Filling Station at Bijoy Sarani.

Considering the prevailing situation, the pump owners said they could not perceive when the situation might return to normal.

On Saturday, a visit to Trust Filling Station, Sonar Bangla LPG Station, Pubali Filling Station, and Talukdar Filling and Servicing Centre revealed the scale of the problem.

The vehicles' long queue at Talukdar Filling Station reached Zia Uddan bridge on Lake Road. Drivers switched off their engines and sought refuge in the shade of nearby trees, while motorcyclists left their bikes on the road to escape the heat.

An influential leader of Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association described the scenes as a grim reality. He admitted that they have no additional information regarding solving the crisis, and opined that the situation would not change unless the supply is increased.

The crisis, driven by panic buying over suspected supply shortage, caused long lines and rationing at stations across the city. The panic buying took place despite the government's assurances of adequate stock.

Several petrol pumps experienced temporary stock outs or implemented rationing, limiting the amount of fuel sold per vehicle.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com