CNG auto-rickshaw drivers block highway over gas shortage in Jamalpur

CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers brought traffic to a standstill for three hours on the Jamalpur-Tangail highway, protesting an acute gas shortage. The demonstration, which began around 7:40 a.m. in front of a local gas filling station, resulted in a traffic jam stretching nearly two kilometers. Vehicular movement only normalized around 10:40 a.m. after police intervened and persuaded the drivers to lift the blockade. The protesters expressed frustration over constant long queues and the inability to obtain sufficient gas, which directly impacts their daily earnings and ability to support their families. "There is only one filling station for nearly 5,000 CNGs. So, we have to wait in long queues every day. On many days, we have to stand in line until the afternoon to get gas. This cuts our daily income, making it difficult to run our families. We were therefore forced to block the highway," said Arif Mia, a CNG driver. According to local authorities, Jamalpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Najmus Sakib confirmed that police engaged with the drivers to resolve the situation. The scarcity is particularly acute in Jamalpur Sadar upazila, where approximately 3,000 registered CNG-run vehicles operate, with an additional 2,000 from other districts also refueling at the station. The single filling station, Jabed Filling Station, is the only one serving this large number of vehicles, leading to the daily congestion and dissatisfaction among drivers.

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There is only one filling station for nearly 5,000 CNGs. So, we have to wait in long queues every day. On many days, we have to stand in line until the afternoon to get gas. This cuts our daily income, making it difficult to run our families. We were therefore forced to block the highway.