Fuel pump owners in Rajshahi threaten to halt oil lifting from Monday

The Rajshahi District Petrol Pump Owners' Association has threatened to stop lifting fuel oil from Monday if adequate supply is not ensured in Rajshahi. The warning came at a press conference organised by the association's leaders at a city restaurant on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking at the press conference, the association leaders said there is a shortage of fuel oil supply on one hand, while security concerns have arisen at the pumps on the other. They also alleged that no cooperation is being received from the administration regarding security issues.

The leaders said that the oil supplied until Sunday will be distributed. After that, oil lifting may be stopped at any time. Currently, oil is being supplied to Rajshahi through the Baghabari depot via Khulna. Although 75 per cent oil supply was promised, it is not being met in reality. A shortage of 30 to 40 per cent is being observed in various agencies.

They further stated that if their demands are not met by the administration by tomorrow, 50 pumps and 10 agencies in the district will stop lifting oil from depots. They also said a memorandum will be submitted to the Prime Minister through the Rajshahi District Commissioner.

Several demands were put forward by the petrol pump owners at the press conference. The demands include stopping oil lifting from depots by all filling stations in Rajshahi district from March 16, 2026, if uninterrupted oil supply is not ensured.

Petrol and octane will be sold from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm subject to security and oil stock availability. Diesel will be sold round the clock subject to stock availability. Security must be ensured by the administration according to the demand of the pumps. Oil supply must continue through agency points to facilitate agricultural work.

Present at the press conference were Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors and Petrol Pump Owners Association Abdul Awal Khan Joti, Rajshahi district branch president Monimul Haque, general secretary Anisur Rahman Shimul, treasurer Aminul Islam and other leaders.