A severe shortage of petrol and diesel in Gaibandha has sparked frustration among motorcyclists, culminating in a temporary road blockade on Tuesday (24 March), despite administrative efforts to ease the crisis.
Throughout the day, hundreds of riders visiting various filling stations across the district found themselves unable to refuel. By midday, anger boiled over on the Gaibandha–Palashbari road, where demonstrators halted traffic for nearly an hour. Police promptly arrived at the scene, assuring the crowd that fuel distribution would resume shortly, leading to the peaceful lifting of the blockade.
Incidents at Filling Stations
Tensions also flared at the Kadiria Filling Station in Gaibandha town. Disputes among queuing customers escalated into scuffles as frustration over the lack of fuel grew.
By late Tuesday night, filling station officials reported that petrol delivery trucks were on their way. With police support, distribution was expected to restart between 11:30 pm and midnight. Late-night supply was also arranged at the Gobindobhog Pump for motorcyclists.
Administrative Directives
Following an emergency meeting on Monday (23 March) with pump owners, the district administration decided that fuel distribution would be closely monitored. Executive magistrates and police officers would supervise all sales, and only motorcyclists presenting a helmet, valid driving licence, and proper documentation would be served.
On Monday evening, limited supplies were distributed at two stations—DB Road and the Bus Stand area—but news of fuel availability quickly drew large crowds. Many riders left empty-handed, particularly those lacking the necessary documents. Authorities capped each motorcycle purchase at 500 taka to curb hoarding and wastage, yet supply remained insufficient to meet demand.
Shortfall and Market Impact
Local motorcyclists complained that the shortage disrupted their livelihoods. Numerous stations displayed “No Fuel” signs, while bottled petrol and diesel appeared on local markets at double the official price. Riders allege that some pump owners are diverting fuel for higher profits, exacerbating the scarcity.
Pump owner representatives confirmed the irregularity of supply, noting that daily requirements exceed deliveries. The district typically consumes around 7,000 litres of petrol, 4,000 litres of octane, and 32,000 litres of diesel each day, but actual supply is far below these levels.
| Fuel Type | Daily Demand (litres) | Supply Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 7,000 | Insufficient/Irregular | Often sold out quickly |
| Octane | 4,000 | Insufficient/Irregular | Distribution unpredictable |
| Diesel | 32,000 | Insufficient/Irregular | Scarcity across the district |
SE Kadi & Sons distributed 4,000 litres on Monday evening, which were exhausted by 3:00 am Tuesday. Rahman Pump reopened under police supervision at 8:00 pm but ran out by 5:20 am, leaving stations closed early on Tuesday.
The persistent shortfall underscores the widening gap between fuel demand and availability in Gaibandha, leaving residents and motorcyclists grappling with economic and logistical challenges.