Fuel crisis looms as Northern Bangladesh Petrol Pumps shut down indefinitely

Northern Bangladesh is facing a fuel crisis as all petrol pumps in the region have shut down indefinitely. 

The decision comes after an ongoing dispute between petrol pump owners and the Roads and Highways Department over sudden evictions.

The Rajshahi Divisional Owners and Workers Unity Council made the announcement, saying that fuel sales at all petrol pumps in the northern districts would remain suspended until further notice. 

The strike began on Wednesday, causing concerns among transport operators, businesses, and the general public.

Why Are Petrol Pumps Closing?

The crisis erupted after the Roads and Highways Department reportedly started evicting several petrol pumps without issuing any prior notice. 

According to pump owners, this action has severely impacted their businesses, leading them to take a united stand against what they describe as "arbitrary" decisions by the authorities.

The decision to shut down fuel sales was made on Tuesday night at a meeting held at the Baghabari office of the Northern Tank Lorry Workers’ Union in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj. 

Leaders from several key associations, including the Rajshahi Divisional Petrol Pump and Dealer Owners’ Association, the Sirajganj District Petrol Pump and Dealer Owners’ Association, the Baghabari Ghat Pump Owners’ Association, and the Northern Tank Lorry Cooperative Association, attended the meeting.

Pump Owners Cry Foul Over Evictions

According to industry leaders, the issue began on January 29, when the Roads and Highways Department suddenly inspected several petrol pumps and declared them illegal—without giving any prior warning. 

The department reportedly made public announcements through loudspeakers, leaving pump owners in shock.

Although the affected parties initially tried to resolve the matter by discussing it with government officials, things took a turn for the worse. A new eviction drive was launched, and several petrol pumps were demolished.

The pump owners argue that they had legally leased the land from the Roads and Highways Department and had been operating their businesses there for years. 

However, they now claim that some officials from the department are pressuring them to buy the land instead of renewing their leases.

The leaders said, 

"Even though we agreed to purchase the land, the officials are refusing to hand over ownership. This unfair treatment and the lack of a clear resolution have forced us to take action."

They further alleged that the evictions are happening despite an ongoing case in the High Court. 

They believe the department‍‍`s actions are unjustified and that their businesses are being targeted unfairly.

A Growing Crisis: What Happens Now?

With fuel extraction and distribution suspended, the entire northern region is at risk of severe fuel shortages. 

The shutdown is expected to impact transportation, businesses, and daily life in multiple districts.

Commuters and transport operators fear that the lack of fuel could disrupt travel and increase costs in the coming days. 

Many petrol stations have already put up “Closed” signs, and long lines were seen at pumps before the strike began.

Unless the issue is resolved quickly, the crisis could escalate, affecting thousands of people who rely on a steady fuel supply for their vehicles and businesses.

For now, the fuel traders remain firm on their decision. 

As one leader put it, "We have no choice but to stand together against this injustice. Until our demands are met, we will not resume fuel sales."

The ball is now in the government‍‍`s court, and the public is eagerly waiting to see how the situation unfolds.