Supply of fuel remains suspended in 14 districts of greater Khulna and Faridpur as tank-lorry owners enforced a 24-hour strike demanding an increase in commission on selling fuel and tank lorry fare.
The lifting and transportation of fuel from the state-run Padma, Meghna and Jamuna oil depots at Khalishpur in Khulna city was suspended since this (August 7, 2022) morning following the strike, reports our Khulna correspondent.
Fuel supply remains suspended in 10 districts under Khulna division and four districts under Faridpur divisions, said Farhad Hossain, secretary general of Bangladesh Tank-Lorry Owners' Association.
Farhad said, "Fuel prices have gone up. But the fare of tanker has not been increased. Until the government re-fixes the fare, we cannot increase the charge. The cost of transportation fuel to the designated pump has increased more.
Due to the strike, truck-lorries were seen parked on both sides of different highways and roads including the intersection of BIDC Road, BL College Road, New Road in Khalishpur area of Khulna city.
According to the UNB, a commission of Tk 2.71 per liter of fuel (as per previous rate) is provided to the tank-lorry owners.
The owners earlier urged the authorities concerned, including Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and Ministry of Power Energy and Mineral Resources several times for increasing commission but they did not pay heed to their demand.
Now Tank-Lorry Owners Association and Petrol Pump Owners Association have been demanding commission at the rate of 7.5% of the current fuel price.
