Diesel crisis leaves thousands of fishermen idle in Shariatpur

A crippling fuel shortage has thrown daily life in Shariatpur into disarray, leaving thousands of fishermen unable to venture into the Padma river and petrol pumps rationing supplies after two days of complete closure.

For much of Wednesday and Thursday, all six filling stations across the district remained shut, citing a lack of petrol, octane, and diesel. On Friday, three pumps reopened with limited stock, offering only small amounts to consumers.

The relief was meagre. Motorcycles were capped at Tk 200 worth of fuel, private cars at Tk 1,000, public transport at Tk 5,000, and farmers and fishermen between Tk 1,000 and Tk 2,000. Long queues formed outside the reopened stations, but many customers returned empty‑handed.

Pump operators said they were compelled to reserve 1,000 to 1,500 litres for politically influential individuals and so‑called VIPs.

“If we refuse, they create trouble and sometimes even issue threats,” said Ajit Halder, manager of Glory Petrol Pump in Shariatpur Sadar. He added that restrictions on open‑market sales were meant to prevent hoarding, but they left ordinary consumers frustrated.

The shortage has hit fishermen hardest. According to the district fisheries office, around 33,000 fishermen depend on the Padma, with 12,000 engine‑driven boats and trawlers in use, 6,000 to 7,000 of them operating regularly. Together, they require 30,000 to 35,000 litres of diesel daily. Now, they are receiving 30 to 40 percent less than usual.

On Friday afternoon in Naria’s Sureshwar area, most boats were anchored along the riverbank. Fishermen mended nets, repaired boats, or played board games to pass the time. “I have not been able to fish for three days,” said Abu Sufian of Goriber Char union.

“We used to spend seven to eight hours on the river. Now, with only two to three litres of fuel, we cannot even reach deeper waters.”

Others echoed the despair. “Fish are already scarce. On top of that, fuel sellers are charging Tk 40 to Tk 60 more per litre,” said Sirajul Dhali, a fisherman from Charmohon with four decades of experience.

His larger boat requires 15 litres daily, but he now manages only five or six. “Earlier, I could fish for seven to eight hours, but now I cannot go beyond two to three. If this continues, how will we survive?” he said.

District Fisheries Officer Biswajit Kumar Deb said fishing activity usually slows before Eid, but the current shortage has worsened the situation. “Depending on the size of the boat, fishermen need three to 10 litres of fuel daily. For the past two to three days, they have not been able to collect sufficient fuel from retailers,” he said. “The shortage may reduce fish catches in the coming months.”

Deputy Commissioner Tahsina Begum, however, denied imposing restrictions on diesel sales. “If any fisherman is unable to obtain fuel, they can collect it through the upazila administration and fisheries department using their ID card. In that case, they must provide proof of proper use. We do not want any artificial crisis created through syndication.”