Protest over gas crisis blocks Airport Road in Khilkhet

CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers blocked Airport Road in the capital's Khilkhet area in protest against an ongoing gas shortage on Wednesday (July 22). The blockade, which began around 2:40pm, disrupted vehicle movement along the major thoroughfare and generated severe traffic congestion.

Eyewitnesses reported that over a hundred CNG drivers gathered on the street, staging demonstrations and chanting slogans to demand an immediate resolution to the gas crisis. The blockade resulted in long queues of stranded vehicles on both sides of Airport Road, subjecting commuters to immense suffering.

Monir Hossain, a driver participating in the protest, stated that despite queuing since early morning, drivers were unable to obtain gas. He noted that the situation is severely impacting daily earnings, making it difficult to pay daily vehicle rentals and cover basic expenses, adding that a major portion of the day is routinely lost while searching for fuel.

Abul Hossain, Sub-Inspector (SI) of Khilkhet Police Station, confirmed that the drivers blocked the road due to the gas crisis. He added that police personnel are deployed at the scene and actively working to normalize the situation and restore traffic flow.