Most petrol pumps across Bangladesh, including in the capital Dhaka, remained closed on Sunday due to a work stoppage observed by fuel station and tanker lorry owners.
The strike, which began at 6:00 AM and continued until 2:00 PM, was called to press for a 10-point list of demands.
As part of the work stoppage, the lifting, transportation, and distribution of fuel from depots were suspended.
However, fuel delivery for Hajj and international flights continued. Additionally, petrol pumps were allowed to provide fuel only to ambulances, fire service vehicles, and the police.
The key demands include:
Increasing the fuel sales commission to a minimum of 7%.
Maintaining previous lease rates for Roads and Highways Department land.
Automatically renewing road connection leases upon submission of the designated pay order.
Allowing only the national standards agency to verify and stamp fuel dispensers.
Abolishing underground tank calibration fees, dip rod testing fees, and the registration requirement.
Canceling licensing requirements for environment, factories, and fire safety for pumps.
Banning illegal roadside fuel vending machines.
Stopping direct fuel sales by marketing companies without dealership agreements.
Simplifying the licensing and renewal process for tanker lorry drivers.
Conducting document checks at depot gates instead of on the road and issuing inter-district route permits for all tankers.
The unified council that called the strike consists of both the petrol pump owners` and tanker lorry owners` associations. Further decisions on the movement are expected based on the outcome of a meeting held Sunday morning with the national petroleum authority.
