All filling stations in Rangpur city remained closed, causing severe hardship for commuters. After announcements that fuel would be supplied at three selected stations, long queues of motorcycles and private cars formed from early morning. However, station employees were unable to confirm when fuel would actually be available, leaving customers in uncertainty.
Despite a recent increase in fuel prices, consumers are still unable to obtain sufficient fuel due to continued rationing at depots. According to station operators, only half of the required supply is being delivered. As a result, filling stations across the city are unable to operate regularly. Each station reportedly receives half of its demand every two to three days.
A visit to several stations on Sunday morning revealed long lines stretching across the city. In the Dhap area, a queue of motorcycles and cars extended nearly one kilometer from the City Filling Station by 9:00 am. Riders said they had been waiting since dawn, but authorities had not provided any clear timeline for fuel supply, even though two fuel tankers were seen at the station.
Rahman, a resident of the CO Bazar area, said he had visited three to four stations before arriving at the City Filling Station around 6:00 am. “Now I don’t know whether I’ll get fuel by noon or even later. This feels like deception,” he said.
Sahab Uddin, a private bank employee, said he requires at least two liters of fuel per day. “We are given five liters, which lasts only two days. So, every two days I have to come early and stand in line. Many days I reach office late,” he said. Questioning the situation, he added, “The government says there is sufficient fuel. Then why rationing?”
Station authorities claim that allocations have been reduced further since the price hike. Ripon, assistant manager at Northern Filling Station, said they now receive only 3,000 liters instead of the previous 6,000 liters under rationing. “We cannot meet demand with such limited supply. If all stations were supplied daily, people would not face suffering,” he said.