‘300 stations face closure’: Fuel shortage hits Khulna as truck drivers halt delivery after leader’s arrest
The fcrisis extends beyond Khulna, with 71 pumps in Jashore already dry and most others facing imminent depletion
Khulna Division is facing a severe fuel shortage as truck drivers have halted transportation of fuel oil in protest against the arrest of their association's general secretary, Ali Azim.
The arrest, made by Khulna police in a sabotage case, has led to fuel levels plummeting to zero at the filling stations across the division.
Sajjadul Karim Kabul, president of the Khulna Division Fuel Distributors Association, said police arrested Ali Azim, Khulna divisional general secretary of the Truck Drivers Association, in a sabotage case and sent him to jail yesterday (26 January).
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In protest, the drivers have halted fuel oil transportation since that day, he added.
Mentioning that the drivers' strike has severely impacted fuel supply, Sajjadul said approximately 300 pumps in Khulna may cease operations from tomorrow if the issue remains unresolved.
Rafiqul Hasan, a resident of Bejpara, shared his experience of being denied sufficient fuel at a local pump.
The crisis extends beyond Khulna.
In Jashore, Atiqur Rahman Piku, executive president of the Jashore Fuel Distributors Association, said 71 pumps have already run out of fuel, with most others facing imminent depletion.
He emphasised the possibility of a complete halt to fuel sales in the region if the situation is not addressed promptly.
Badruzzaman Bablu, president of the Jashore Bus Owners Association, expressed concern over the transport halts, warning of severe passenger inconvenience.
