CNG drivers block Chattogram road for 5 hours over gas shortage

CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers blocked a main road in Chattogram’s Sholashahar early today, protesting a severe gas shortage that they said has sharply affected their daily earnings.

The demonstration began at dawn, bringing traffic to a standstill on the busy stretch between Muradpur and Sholashahar Gate No. 2 from 6:00am to 11:00am.

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The five-hour blockade caused long tailbacks on both sides of the road.

Protestors said they had been waiting in long queues overnight outside the nearby Fossil Filling Station but were still unable to refuel.

"I have been waiting in line for over 18 hours," said Jamal Uddin, one of the protesting drivers.

"Without gas, I cannot drive or earn money to feed my family."

Another driver, Jaker Hossain, said he had been out of work for two days.

"We are living in terrible conditions, but we still have to pay the daily vehicle rental fee and manage our family expenses," he said.

An official at Fossil Filling Station said the station was unable to distribute CNG because the central gas supply had been completely shut down.

Police later arrived at the scene and worked to clear the road and restore traffic.

Md Zahedul Islam, officer-in-charge of Panchlaish Police Station, said additional police personnel had been deployed to manage the crowd and restore normal traffic.

“The drivers agreed to clear the road after we explained the situation to them,” he said, adding that traffic had resumed on the thoroughfare.