A sudden surge in demand for fuel degenerated into widespread public distress across Chuadanga on Sunday night after local filling stations abruptly suspended sales following the government’s announcement of an unprecedented price hike.
News of the price adjustment spread rapidly shortly after 11:00 pm on Sunday, prompting motorists—particularly motorcyclists—to rush to filling stations throughout the district town and adjacent rural areas. However, drivers were met with closed gates and turned away by staff, sparking widespread frustration and accusations of artificial hoarding.
Major outlets across the district, including Mozammel Hoque Filling Station, Joarder Petroleum, and two key stations in the Daulatdia area, reportedly halted operations almost instantly. At Mozammel Hoque Filling Station, the fuel meters remained powered on and staff members were present on site, yet they steadfastly refused to dispense fuel to waiting customers.
Stranded vehicle owners alleged that filling stations possessed ample reserves but deliberately withheld stock to profit from the revised higher rates scheduled to take effect. The sudden disruption left late-night commuters in severe distress.
“I visited three separate filling stations across the town, but every single one was closed,” said Rajib, a local resident stranded on the road. “My motorbike is completely out of fuel, and I have no idea how I am going to reach home at this hour.”
Another affected motorist, Sajib, echoed similar frustrations, stating that he routinely buys petrol at that hour without issue. He noted that the abrupt closure clearly pointed towards deliberate hoarding by pump owners aiming to capitalise on the price increase.
Addressing the rising public discontent, Chuadanga Additional Deputy Commissioner B. M. Tariq-uz-Zaman assured that administrative action would follow. He stated that the local administration would inspect the filling stations immediately and investigate any attempts to artificially withhold fuel stock.
The chaos followed an official notification issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources late on Sunday night, raising the prices of all refined petroleum products by 20 BDT per litre across the country. Under the newly adjusted tariff structure, retail diesel has risen to 135 BDT per litre, octane to 165 BDT, petrol to 160 BDT, and kerosene to 155 BDT—marking the highest petroleum prices ever recorded in the nation’s history.
