Oil depots in Sylhet almost empty

Most of the filling stations have dried up. The four depots have a total storage capacity of 28 lakh litres.

The Sylhet Division Petroleum Dealers and Agents Association demanded immediate steps for supply of diesel and kerosene.

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President of the Association Mohsin Rashid said the crisis is been persisting for the last few weeks, but no step taken. Even the buffer stock has been exhausted.

He said the association in a fax message to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) chairman on Tuesday urged him to take steps to ensure supply.

He said the crisis arose as the authorities did not take steps in advance to meet the increased demand during the current IRRI-Boro season.

The demand for diesel in the division is six lakh litres per day but only 4.5 lakh litres are supplied. Due to the short supply, some filling stations are selling adulterated diesel, sources alleged.

When contacted yesterday, a BPC official on condition of anonymity said Padma and Jamuna each sent 1.7 lakh litres to Sylhet on Wednesday, which has been distributed. Supply has been increased but the demand can not be met because of IRRI-Boro cultivation.

Another source said any consignment of fuel from Chittagong is unlikely to reach within a day or two.