Petrol pump and tank lorry owners announced a nationwide 8-hour strike on May 25, from 6:00am to 2:00om, demanding an increase in fuel sales commission to a minimum of 7 per cent along with nine other demands.

Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council, a representative body of the owners called the strike in a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday, May 11.

Syed Sazzadul Karim Kabul, joint convener of the council, made the announcement, saying that during the strike, all kinds of fuel extraction from depots, transportation, and sales at filling stations across the country will remain suspended.

Convener of the organisation Mohammad Nazmul Haque, joint conveners Mizanur Rahman Ratan and Zubayer Ahmed Chowdhury, were, among others, present.

In a written statement, Kabul said: “According to the last government notification on September 26, 2023, dealers receive a 5% commission on petrol and octane and 3% on diesel.

Until now, the business was run with dealership, explosives, and trade licenses. Now, obtaining licenses from the Environment Department, Fire Service, Department of Factories and Establishments, BSTI, and BERC has been made mandatory. We have been protesting these issues for a long time.”

He further stated that no one seems interested in resolving the problems faced by petrol pump owners.

He alleged that despite years of appeals and protests to the relevant government authorities regarding the difficulties faced by fuel traders and tank lorry owners, no promises have been fulfilled.

“It appears an invisible force is intentionally pushing pump owners toward agitation. In the current situation, it has become impossible for us to continue operating such heavily-invested businesses,” he said.

Announcing the protest, Kabul said: “As a last attempt, based on a unanimous decision made at a meeting of traders and association leaders on May 10, we urge the government to meet our demands by May 24.”

“Otherwise, as a symbolic protest, we will observe a nationwide strike on May 25 from 6 AM to 2 PM. During this time, fuel extraction, transportation, and marketing will be halted. However, to keep Hajj and international flights operational, fuel supply to aircraft will remain uninterrupted,” he added.

Source: UNB