S.A Shofiee, Sylhet :
The supply of fuel to Sylhet districts has been badly hit by indefinite BNP-led 20 party alliance’s blockade.
The blockade has paralysed road communications across the country, which also dealt a heavy blow to the commodity markets.
Farmers of the country, especially those in the Sylhet region, have suffered most from the political salvo. They are not either getting fuel to run their pumps for irrigating crops in the field or marketing their produce for absence of transportations. The farmers in the region now fear that they might not be able to reach the target of Boro cultivation this year.
Farmers and pump owners in many parts of the region are compelled to pay more than the government fixed price for diesel as some dishonest retailers have increased its price taking the advantage of supply disruptions.
Sources said there are about 100 petrol pumps in 4 districts of Sylhet divisions. But, most of these pumps now remain closed at day time for fear of bomb attack or vandalism by the blockaders. Now, hundreds of farmers, especially owners of shallow pumps in the region are returning with empty bucket from filling stations. Although a little amount of fuel is available at some retail shops in different areas, but farmers cannot purchase it due to exorbitant prices.
Currently, petrol is being sold at Tk 120 per litre at some places, while diesel is selling at Tk 80 to Tk 85 as retail price. But, the price of petrol has fixed at Tk 96.55 per litre for all fuel pumps, while the official price of diesel is Tk 68 per litre.
Baghabari fuel oil depot sources said they are supplying fuel oils to different destinations under the escort of law enforcers. But, the measure is not enough to maintain supply as the pump owners and tank-lorry owners are not showing much interest in transporting fuel oils due to the political violence, in which several people have been killed and many maimed.
‘We are ready to provide fuel oils to the licensed pump owners as we have adequate stock in the depots. But, we have nothing to do, if the pump owners do not collect fuel for fear of violence on the way,’ said Abdul Hakim, In Charge of Jamuna Depo at Dakshin Surma.
He, however, said a few number of petrol pump owners is collecting fuel oils by the tank-lorries from the depots with the escort of police and RAB forces.
They are in fear that the blockade supporters are likely to damage their tank-lorries or set those on fire.
Islam Ali, driver of a tank-lorry at Dakshin Surma, said if any vehicle is damaged its owner will get some compensation. But what will happen and who will provide compensation if a driver becomes victim of violence? he asked.
The supply of fuel to Sylhet districts has been badly hit by indefinite BNP-led 20 party alliance’s blockade.
The blockade has paralysed road communications across the country, which also dealt a heavy blow to the commodity markets.
Farmers of the country, especially those in the Sylhet region, have suffered most from the political salvo. They are not either getting fuel to run their pumps for irrigating crops in the field or marketing their produce for absence of transportations. The farmers in the region now fear that they might not be able to reach the target of Boro cultivation this year.
Farmers and pump owners in many parts of the region are compelled to pay more than the government fixed price for diesel as some dishonest retailers have increased its price taking the advantage of supply disruptions.
Sources said there are about 100 petrol pumps in 4 districts of Sylhet divisions. But, most of these pumps now remain closed at day time for fear of bomb attack or vandalism by the blockaders. Now, hundreds of farmers, especially owners of shallow pumps in the region are returning with empty bucket from filling stations. Although a little amount of fuel is available at some retail shops in different areas, but farmers cannot purchase it due to exorbitant prices.
Currently, petrol is being sold at Tk 120 per litre at some places, while diesel is selling at Tk 80 to Tk 85 as retail price. But, the price of petrol has fixed at Tk 96.55 per litre for all fuel pumps, while the official price of diesel is Tk 68 per litre.
Baghabari fuel oil depot sources said they are supplying fuel oils to different destinations under the escort of law enforcers. But, the measure is not enough to maintain supply as the pump owners and tank-lorry owners are not showing much interest in transporting fuel oils due to the political violence, in which several people have been killed and many maimed.
‘We are ready to provide fuel oils to the licensed pump owners as we have adequate stock in the depots. But, we have nothing to do, if the pump owners do not collect fuel for fear of violence on the way,’ said Abdul Hakim, In Charge of Jamuna Depo at Dakshin Surma.
He, however, said a few number of petrol pump owners is collecting fuel oils by the tank-lorries from the depots with the escort of police and RAB forces.
They are in fear that the blockade supporters are likely to damage their tank-lorries or set those on fire.
Islam Ali, driver of a tank-lorry at Dakshin Surma, said if any vehicle is damaged its owner will get some compensation. But what will happen and who will provide compensation if a driver becomes victim of violence? he asked.
