Fuel shortage cuts speedboat services on Ctg's Kumira-Sandwip route
According to the ghat authorities, the fuel was supplied by Meghna Petroleum Limited, which recently halted deliveries, forcing operators to stop services.
Speedboat services on the Kumira-Sandwip route in Chattogram remained suspended from Monday morning (9 March) due to a fuel shortage, causing significant hardship for thousands of commuters who rely on the route daily.
Authorities at the ghat said the suspension came after the state-run fuel supplier stopped providing octane and diesel for the boats.
According to the ghat authorities, the fuel was supplied by Meghna Petroleum Limited, which recently halted deliveries, forcing operators to stop services.
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Confirming the development, Nayan Shil, deputy director of the Chattogram region of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, said water transport on the Sandwip route is considered an essential service.
"We cannot keep transport on the Sandwip route completely shut down. I have spoken with officials of Meghna Petroleum and requested them to supply at least half of the required fuel," he told The Business Standard.
"We hope to reach a solution by tomorrow," he added.
Every day, around 1,000 to 1,200 passengers travel through the Kumira-Guptachhara ghat using speedboats and launches to cross between the mainland and Sandwip Island, making the route a vital transport link for locals.
