Fuel Shortage Disrupts Daily Work

A worsening fuel shortage has begun to severely disrupt daily routines in Rajbari’s Goalanda area, forcing office workers, farmers, and commuters to queue for hours at filling stations, often at the expense of their professional responsibilities.

Farida Akter, a field worker employed by a private organisation, exemplifies the growing hardship. Required to report to her office by 8:00 a.m. before heading out for field duties, she instead found herself standing in a queue from 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Saptabarna Filling Station in Goalanda Mor. With her motorcycle out of fuel, she had little choice but to wait—ultimately missing work altogether.

“I cannot attend the office late without being held accountable,” she explained. “After a full day’s work, returning at night to refuel is not feasible. I came early this morning, but the supply has been repeatedly delayed.”

Farida’s experience was echoed by Puja Sen, another field worker, who reported waiting nearly three hours. She noted that such disruptions have become increasingly frequent. “Without fuel, I cannot carry out my duties. This situation is unprecedented in my experience,” she said.

The problem extends beyond office workers. Abdul Khalek, a retired government employee, arrived at the station shortly after dawn prayers upon hearing that petrol had arrived overnight. However, he found the station closed and returned later, only to face further delays. “We were told fuel would be available at 9:00 a.m., then again at 11:00 a.m. There is no certainty,” he remarked.

Sanowar Hossain, a manager at a private firm, travelled approximately eight kilometres to obtain fuel, risking salary deductions due to late arrival at work. “If my employer penalises me for being late, there is little I can do. Yet I do not even have enough fuel to travel five kilometres,” he lamented.

Farmers are also bearing the brunt of the crisis. Tushar Hossain, who requires fuel for irrigation, has been attempting to procure petrol for three consecutive days. “We are being harassed by uncertainty. Even after waiting in long queues, there is no assurance of supply,” he said.

According to Afzal Hossain, the station’s pump operator, nearly half of the petrol delivered on Tuesday night had already been sold by early morning. The remaining stock, he warned, would likely be exhausted within hours once distribution commenced.

Fuel sales eventually began around 9:30 a.m., following the arrival of a local supervisory official. However, the persistent delays and limited supply continue to fuel frustration among residents.

Snapshot of the Situation

The ongoing fuel scarcity underscores a broader logistical challenge, with tangible economic and social consequences. Unless supply stabilises promptly, such disruptions may continue to impede livelihoods across the region.