CNG autorickshaw drivers block road in Chittagong due to lack of gas

Hundreds of CNG autorickshaw drivers have blocked roads in Chittagong city due to the acute gas shortage. They took up positions on the road in the city's Sholashahar area since early Friday (August 14) after waiting at the filling station for days without getting gas.

Due to the drivers' position, traffic on the road from Muradpur to Gate No. 2 was stopped. This caused traffic jams and suffering on various roads in the area.

Gas not available even after waiting for 24 hours

Drivers have alleged that there is an acute gas shortage at various CNG filling stations in Chittagong city. Many drivers have waited in line in front of the station for more than 24 hours but have not received gas. The station authorities are also unable to provide any specific information about when the supply will be normal.

On Friday morning, hundreds of CNG autorickshaws were seen standing in a long line for gas in front of the Fossil filling station in Sholashahar. After a long wait, the angry drivers finally took up positions on the road and started blocking it.

A driver said that he has been standing in line with his car for more than 24 hours. He is unable to drive due to lack of gas. No one can say for sure when gas will be available.

Another driver said that he has no income as he has not been able to drive for two days. But he has to bear the car deposit and family expenses. Their livelihood has been uncertain due to not getting gas even after standing in line for a long time.

Allegations of crisis at all filling stations

Drivers claim that a similar situation has arisen at almost all CNG filling stations in Chittagong city. Gas is not available in some places, and in others, they have to wait for a long time for gas.

An aggrieved driver said that if the authorities do not resolve the crisis quickly, they will have no choice but to take to the streets.

Meanwhile, an official of the Fossil Filling Station in Sholashahar said that due to lack of gas supply, it is not possible to supply gas to CNG autorickshaws. They have nothing to do until the supply is normal.

Passengers also suffer

Due to the gas crisis, not only the income of drivers has stopped, but ordinary passengers have also suffered. The number of CNG autorickshaws has decreased due to the same situation at various filling stations in the city. As a result, many passengers are having to pay extra time and expenses in their travel.

Police efforts to control traffic jam

Traffic jams have been created in Muradpur, Sholashahar and Gate No. 2 areas since morning due to road blockades. Police have reached the spot to control the situation and are requesting drivers to leave the road.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Panchlaish Police Station Md. Jahedul Islam said that a police team is at the spot. Efforts are being made to remove the drivers from the road and normalize traffic.

However, the aggrieved drivers are not willing to leave the road until they get assurance that the gas supply will be normalized.