Octane crisis grips Ctg, 'Live Fuel Monitoring System' launched in Fatikchhari

Chattogram is experiencing an acute octane shortage, leading to long queues at fuel stations across the city, while a "Live Fuel Monitoring System" has been launched in Fatikchhari to help the public track fuel availability in real time via smartphones.

People in the sector said uncertainty in the global fuel market and fears of shortages have led to panic buying, warning the crisis may persist without regular depot supply and controlled demand.

Fuel shortage leaves drivers struggling, pumps under pressure

Many pumps have suspended sales, displaying "No Octane" signs, while others are supplying fuel in limited quantities, leading to long queues of motorcycles and ride-share vehicles at stations.

At CMP Police Lines Filling Station, diesel is available but octane sales remain suspended due to limited supply, with authorities saying sales may resume after 4pm under a fixed quota.

Absar Hossain, a customer waiting at a pump in the Gani Bakery area, said, "I've been searching since yesterday evening but couldn't find octane anywhere. I got a small amount from one place, but nowhere is selling more than that."

Ride-share driver Abdur Rahman said, "I expected higher earnings during the Eid season, but fuel shortages have kept me off the road."

He added that he had to wait in line for over 30 minutes.

Pump owners attribute the crisis to inadequate supply from depots.

Mir Khan, manager of QC Trading Limited, said, "We are selling whatever little fuel we receive. It's difficult to keep operations running fully with such limited supply."

Similar conditions have been reported in Probortok Mor, Katalganj, Sholoshohor, Lalkhan Bazar, and CRB Mor, where either fuel sales have been halted or long queues persist due to limited availability.

Live fuel monitoring system launched in Fatikchhari, Chattogram

A "Live Fuel Monitoring System" has been launched in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, allowing users to check via smartphone which fuel stations have available stock, ongoing supply and current reserves.

Developed voluntarily by local tech entrepreneur Inzamam Opu, the platform aims to reduce unnecessary waiting and improve transparency in fuel distribution.

According to the upazila administration, users can access the system through a dedicated website and instantly view real-time fuel availability at different pumps, helping save time and effort while ensuring better management of fuel resources.

"This system is a simple and effective service for the general public. People can now access necessary information from home, which will reduce suffering and strengthen transparency and accountability in fuel management," said Fatikchhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sayed Mohammad Ibrahim.

He further added, "Such technology-driven initiatives will help modernize local services and save citizens both time and effort. Through this platform, users can easily see which fuel stations have supply, when fuel will be available, and the current stock status."