Fuel shortage persists in Khulna as depots fail to meet demand

Khulna continues to face a severe fuel shortage, as depots fail to meet demand, leaving many filling stations across the city and district struggling to operate.

The situation has created difficulties for pump owners, transport workers, and everyday consumers.

A visit to various filling stations today (16 March) revealed that several pumps are running low on fuel.

While some are selling limited quantities, others have temporarily suspended sales due to insufficient supply.

Pump officials attribute the crisis to irregular deliveries from the Khulna depot.

"We often receive much less fuel than the amount we request daily, making it impossible to meet customers' demand," Latif, an employee at Biswas Filling Station, told The Business Standard.

He added that, despite the government ending the rationing system, pumps cannot provide more fuel than they receive.

"Currently, we are still limiting motorcycles to Tk250 worth of fuel," he said.

At KCC Filling Station, a sign reading "no fuel after noon" has been displayed.

Staff explained that the fuel they receive is sold out by the afternoon, forcing them to suspend sales for the rest of the day.

Pump owners have warned that unless fuel supply is ensured according to demand, the crisis could worsen, significantly impacting the transport sector.

Transport workers reported that drivers are often forced to visit multiple pumps to procure fuel, leading to wasted time and disruption in the transportation of goods.

Motorcycle rider Asad told TBS, "To buy Tk500 worth of fuel, I have to visit two to three pumps. Although rationing has officially ended, the reality is very different. Many times, even after visiting multiple pumps, fuel is unavailable."