Long queues of vehicles persisted at compressed natural gas (CNG) filling stations across the capital on Friday as gas supply remained unstable, forcing drivers to wait for hours to refuel.
The prolonged shortage, driven by inadequate pipeline pressure and irregular gas supply, has left CNG auto-rickshaws, buses and private cars lining up at filling stations around the clock, disrupting transport services and causing widespread inconvenience to commuters.
After visiting filling stations in Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Kallyanpur, Shyamoli and Gabtoli, it was found that gas shortages continue across the city. Stations resume dispensing gas when supply is restored but are forced to suspend operations once it runs out. Gas supplied overnight lasted until early morning at some stations, but many had no supply after that.
The shortage has also disrupted public transport, as buses and CNG-powered vehicles remain stranded in long queues at filling stations. Commuters, particularly on working days, are struggling to find transport for office and other essential travel. Many have been forced to walk long distances or pay higher fares for alternative transport.
"We received gas around 9:30pm and started dispensing it immediately. But since dawn, there has been no gas in the line," said Tarique, a sales employee at Akij CNG Filling Station in Tejgaon.
Filling station operators attributed the crisis to inadequate gas supply from the national grid and low pipeline pressure, saying the lack of pressure prevents them from operating compressors efficiently and safely. As a result, they are able to serve only about half the usual number of vehicles.
The shortage has also disrupted public transport, as buses and CNG-powered vehicles remain stranded in long queues at filling stations. Commuters, particularly on working days, are struggling to find transport for office and other essential travel. Many have been forced to walk long distances or pay higher fares for alternative transport.
The ongoing gas crisis continues to take a heavy toll on daily life, affecting both transport services and household expenses. Drivers and vehicle owners urged the authorities to restore adequate gas supply and ensure sufficient pipeline pressure at CNG filling stations without delay.