CNG drivers in Trishal, Mymensingh, temporarily blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway on Wednesday morning, demanding a steady supply of compressed natural gas for their vehicles.
The drivers stopped their vehicles at the Kachar Road junction on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway at around 10.30am on 2 September. The blockade continued until approximately 11am, disrupting traffic along the eastern side of the busy highway.
The protest was reportedly triggered by difficulties in obtaining sufficient gas at CNG filling stations. Drivers said that only a very small quantity of gas was being supplied to their vehicles despite spending hours waiting in queues. According to them, the amount of gas they receive is sometimes enough for only one or two short trips before running out.
The drivers said the situation is making it increasingly difficult to maintain regular passenger services. Long waiting times at filling stations also mean that they lose valuable working hours, while inadequate fuel supplies make it harder for them to keep their vehicles operating throughout the day.
The shortage has implications beyond the drivers themselves. CNG-powered vehicles are widely used for short- and medium-distance passenger transport, particularly in areas outside major urban centres. When drivers are unable to refuel properly, passenger services can be disrupted and people travelling for work, education and other daily activities may face delays.
The temporary blockade consequently caused a build-up of vehicles on the affected section of the highway. Passengers were left facing delays as traffic remained stationary during the protest.
Police intervened shortly after the blockade began. Trishal police station Sub-Inspector Taleb said traffic movement had been halted only briefly and that he, together with Traffic Inspector Saiful Islam, took steps to restore normal movement.
According to the police official, the road has since been cleared and vehicles are moving normally.
The incident highlights the practical difficulties faced by CNG drivers when fuel supplies are inadequate or refuelling takes an excessive amount of time. For drivers whose daily earnings depend on keeping their vehicles on the road, repeated delays at filling stations can directly affect their working time and income.
The drivers are seeking a more reliable supply of CNG so that they can refuel without prolonged waiting and continue providing passenger transport services. Although Wednesday’s protest ended within a short period, continued problems with fuel availability could lead to further disruption if the underlying concerns remain unresolved.
