Filling stations across Rajshahi, Rangpur and Khulna divisions have begun an indefinite strike to press their 15-point charter of demands, leaving transport owners and passengers in great trouble.
Local sources said petrol pumps stopped selling oil from Saturday (Dec 1) morning in the districts under the three administrative divisions after tank lorry owners and workers and fuel traders called the strike.
Strikers say the authorities have been dilly-dallying in meeting their longstanding demands, including rise in fuel sale commission and tank lorry fare and introduction of insurance for tank lorry workers, forcing them to go on the strike.
The strike has caused untold sufferings to transport owners and passengers; with many vehicles being forced to stop plying for want of fuel.
Zahid Hasan, who was waiting in front of a filling station in Rajshahi city’s Kajla area, said, “I have to go 35-40 kilometres away from here. But I learned after coming out of my house that petrol pumps are observing strike.”
Sajdedul Islam, a worker at the filling station, said many people came to the petrol pump but went back without fuel as they did not sell it to anyone.
“We’re observing work abstention. No fuel is being sold here. However, many people rushed to petrol pumps last night to purchase oil before the beginning of the strike,” he said.