Fuel dealers to strike if commission not hiked to 7.5% by 30 Sep | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Wednesday
May 28, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Epaper
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Banking
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025
Fuel dealers to strike if commission not hiked to 7.5% by 30 Sep

Energy

TBS Report
03 September, 2023, 04:40 pm
Last modified: 04 September, 2023, 03:14 pm

Related News

  • Customs operations resume in full swing at Ctg Port; deliveries returning to normal
  • NBR protesters announce indefinite halt to nearly all import-export activity from tomorrow
  • Petrol pump, tank lorry owners call off protest
  • NBR staff continue strike for day 2, halting services at all Income Tax, Customs, VAT offices
  • Full-day strike halts operations at Ctg custom house

Fuel dealers to strike if commission not hiked to 7.5% by 30 Sep

The commission that the dealers have demanded far exceeds what dealers receive in India

TBS Report
03 September, 2023, 04:40 pm
Last modified: 04 September, 2023, 03:14 pm
A filling station in the capital's Tejgaon remains closed on Sunday (3 September). Photo: TBS
A filling station in the capital's Tejgaon remains closed on Sunday (3 September). Photo: TBS

The Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distribution, Agents, and Petrol Pump Owners Association has threatened to go on strike if their demand for a hike in their commission to 7.5% from 4.68% of the retail prices of fuel oils – petrol, octane, and diesel – is not met by 30 September.

During a press briefing held at the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) headquarters on Sunday, the association's President Nazmul Haque said, "Our demand is 7.50%, and there is room for negotiation. The Minister of State for Power and Energy has pledged a resolution by 30 September, and we are awaiting that."

Dealers have been urging the state-owned BPC to increase their commission saying that their operational costs have increased.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

"Until 2013, we used to have a percentage commission on fuel sales. However, the government fixed the commission for each litre of fuel sold in that year. So, day by day the cost of business increased but the income did not increase as much. We have to count our losses," explained Nazmul

The commission that the dealers have demanded, however, far exceeds what dealers receive in neighbouring India. Currently, dealers in Bangladesh receive Tk4.68 and Tk4.82 in commission on the sale of one litre of petrol and octane, respectively, and Tk2.73 for diesel. In India, the commission is approximately 3.9% for petrol and 2.9% for diesel, similar to what dealers in Bangladesh receive as a percentage of the retail price.

Professor M Shamsul Alam, energy adviser of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), however, told The Business Standard, "Let them [dealers] present their case before the Energy Regulatory Commission and demonstrate where they are incurring losses.

"If they find it impossible to operate at the current rates, it might be better for them to surrender their licences. The government can then open tenders and potentially involve foreign companies in running petrol pumps if needed. The government cannot tolerate attempts to raise funds at the expense of the public."

Meanwhile, a segment of petroleum dealers launched a strike nationwide on Sunday, demanding a 7.50% commission. Later in the evening, they withdrew the strike. 

During Sunday's press briefing, Anupam Barua, director of the BPC, explained that the petrol pump owners association has been expressing concerns about financial losses due to rising costs for some time. 

"We asked petrol pump owners to specify where they were facing high costs, but they did not provide a response. Therefore, we were forced to select 11 sectors of expenditure and submit a report to the ministry. Additionally, a committee is currently in discussions with dealer representatives."

Anupam also noted that the energy state minister had given the dealers ample time for dialogue, which is why the sudden strike came as a surprise. However, he assured that those on strike still have an opportunity to engage in negotiations.

The petrol pump owners association has three main demands, with two of them already resolved. The remaining demands include exempting VAT on commission agents and tank-lorry rentals and issuing separate notifications in this regard alongside issuing a notification to extend the economic life of tanks from 25 years to 50 years.

As per the August 2022 notification by the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Division, dealers receive Tk0.80 per litre for transportation costs, Tk0.08 for depreciation costs, Tk2.73 per litre for diesel, Tk1.58 for kerosene, Tk4.82 for octane, and Tk4.68 for petrol.

At the press conference, Nazmul highlighted that not all petrol pumps across the country are closed. But, labour strikes at the Narayanganj depot under the BPC have halted oil transportation since Sunday morning, leading to the current crisis.

Anupam Barua said, "We have informed the deputy commissioner of Narayanganj, and we have also requested increased security at other depots across the country."

Three state-owned companies under BPC – Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna – regularly supply fuel oil to government-approved distributors. These distributors then sell diesel, petrol, and octane to customers through their own petrol pumps.

Bangladesh / Top News

Fuel station / Petrol Pump Owner's Association / filling stations / strike

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Leaders and activists of BNP gather at Nayapaltan ahead of the rally of three BNP affiliated organisations on Wednesday, 28 May 2025. Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
    ​​​​​​​Deliberate stalling of election part of plan to derail democratic process: Tarique at BNP rally
  • File Photo: Reuters
    Bangladeshi cos expecting increased costs due to tariffs, yet extremely optimistic about int'l growth: HSBC survey
  • Photo: Collected
    HC overturns graft convictions of Tarique, Zubaida

MOST VIEWED

  • Selim RF Hussain. Sketch: TBS
    BRAC Bank MD Selim RF Hussain resigns
  • Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur. TBS Sketch
    Depositors need not worry as govt will take over banks before merger: BB governor
  • Graphics: TBS
    Suspicious banking activities surge by 56% since July: Cenbank
  • Photo: Collected
    DU student assaulted for protesting eve-teasing at Chadni Chowk
  • Illustration: TBS
    Bangladesh sees highest-ever per capita income of $2,820 in FY25, BBS provisional data shows
  • Officials protest inside the Secretariat on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, over a government ordinance amending the Public Service Act, 2018. Photo: Rajib Dhar
    Protest at Secretariat suspended as govt assures decision on ordinance tomorrow

Related News

  • Customs operations resume in full swing at Ctg Port; deliveries returning to normal
  • NBR protesters announce indefinite halt to nearly all import-export activity from tomorrow
  • Petrol pump, tank lorry owners call off protest
  • NBR staff continue strike for day 2, halting services at all Income Tax, Customs, VAT offices
  • Full-day strike halts operations at Ctg custom house

Features

In recent years, the Gor-e-Shaheed Eidgah has emerged as a strong contender for the crown of the biggest Eid congregation in the country, having hosted 600,000 worshippers in 2017. Photo: TBS

Gor-e-Shaheed Boro Maath: The heart of Dinajpur

1d | Panorama
The Hili Land Port, officially opened in 1997 but with trade roots stretching back to before Partition, has grown into a cornerstone of bilateral commerce.

Dhaka-Delhi tensions ripple across Hili’s markets and livelihoods

2d | Panorama
Photo: Collected

Desk goals: Affordable ways to elevate your study setup

3d | Brands
Built on a diamond-type frame, the Hornet 2.0 is agile but grounded. PHOTO: Asif Chowdhury

Honda Hornet 2.0: Same spirit, upgraded sting

3d | Wheels

More Videos from TBS

Poor documentation, evidence plague stolen asset recovery efforts

Poor documentation, evidence plague stolen asset recovery efforts

42m | TBS Insight
Donald Trump warns Vladimir Putin he is 'playing with fire' over Ukraine

Donald Trump warns Vladimir Putin he is 'playing with fire' over Ukraine

1h | TBS World
Families of those injured and martyred in the July coup protest in the capital

Families of those injured and martyred in the July coup protest in the capital

2h | TBS Today
Trump administration suspends student visas in the US indefinitely

Trump administration suspends student visas in the US indefinitely

2h | TBS World
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net