TANGAIL, Apr 01 (V7N) — The fuel crisis in Tangail district has taken a severe turn, leaving commuters, transport workers, and farmers in deep distress. As of Wednesday afternoon, most filling stations across the district have suspended operations, hanging "No Fuel" notices at their entrances, while the few remaining pumps are struggling to manage overwhelming crowds.

Despite the government’s announcement yesterday that fuel prices would remain unchanged for April, the ground reality in Tangail suggests a significant breakdown in the supply chain.

Chaos at the Pumps

A spot visit to several filling stations in Tangail city and its surrounding upazilas revealed a chaotic scene:

  • Long Queues: At the few pumps still dispensing oil, motorcycles and commercial vehicles were seen waiting for three to four hours for a limited ration of fuel.

  • Limited Supply: Most stations have completely run out of diesel and octane, citing a lack of fresh deliveries from the central depots.

  • Impact on Transport: Public transport frequency has dropped significantly on the Dhaka-Tangail highway, as many bus and truck drivers are stranded at refueling points.

Allegations of Artificial Crisis and Price Gouging

Frustrated customers have alleged that the crisis is being "manufactured" by a section of unscrupulous pump owners.

"Many pumps have stock, but they have shut their gates to create an artificial shortage," claimed a local truck driver. "Meanwhile, the same oil is being sold in the black market at significantly higher prices than the government-set rate of Tk 100 for diesel and Tk 116 for petrol."

Local residents also expressed concern that the shortage would hamper irrigation for the ongoing Boro season, potentially impacting the district’s agricultural output.

Administration Strikes Back: Raids and Seizures

In response to the growing public outcry, the Tangail District Administration launched a series of mobile court raids on Wednesday.

  • Illegal Stocks Seized: Acting on tip-offs, administrative teams discovered several hidden caches of fuel oil stored illegally to be sold at higher prices.

  • Legal Action: Authorities have fined several pump owners and initiated legal proceedings under the Essential Commodities Act.

  • Immediate Relief: The district administration announced that the seized fuel is being sold to the general public on the spot at the government-fixed prices to ease the immediate pressure.

Deputy Commissioner's Statement:

The local administration has assured the public that there is no "real" shortage of fuel in the national grid and that fresh consignments are expected to reach the district by Thursday morning. They have urged citizens to report any instances of hoarding or overcharging to the nearest police station or the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

END/SMA/AJ