Farmer calls agriculture minister over diesel crisis at pump

Amid global fuel disruptions triggered by the Middle East conflict, farmers in Ishwardi, Pabna, are struggling to secure diesel for agricultural machinery. With filling stations banned from supplying fuel in containers, farmers are unable to collect the required fuel, leaving hundreds in severe hardship.

It has been reported that around 40 farmers went to the office of the Ishwardi Upazila Agriculture Officer on Sunday afternoon, March 29, seeking a solution. When no effective resolution was found, national award-winning farmer Moyez Uddin called Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid from the office itself. The minister instructed authorities to take necessary measures to resolve the issue immediately.

Farmer Moyez Uddin said the upazila agriculture officer had been issuing slips for farmers for several days, but even with those slips, diesel was not available at filling stations. Many farmers were forced to return empty-handed.

He further said the entire country depends on agriculture, but farmers do not have any registry or identification card, leaving them repeatedly harassed. "Now the same is happening with fuel. We want a quick solution to this problem."

Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Momin said steps have been taken to address the issue following the call to the agriculture minister. New slips for fuel supply at pumps have been printed, and discussions have been held with filling stations. He expressed hope that the problem will be resolved soon.

Farmers alleged, however, that even after the minister's directive, no solution had been reached by Monday afternoon, March 30.

Noting that conflicts arise with motorcyclists when trying to collect fuel, Ishwardi Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Hasan Mohammad Shoaib said misunderstandings and arguments occur over this issue. The administration and agriculture department are working together to resolve the problem, and multiple meetings have been held with pump owners. The situation is expected to normalise soon.