Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association has said that there is a fear that the country's petrol pumps will be closed at any time due to fuel shortage and insecurity.
This information was informed in a press release on Sunday (March 22) night.
According to the notification, the condition of petrol pumps across the country is very pathetic. Because it is not possible to meet the needs of customers with the daily oil available from the company. As a result, motorcycle users are standing in line for hours to get oil. At the same time, the workers at the pump are under physical and mental pressure due to lack of practice of continuous duty for a long time. Petrol pumps across the country may shut down at any time due to insufficient oil supply.
Earlier, the organization said that 'petrol pumps need security in the sale of oil'. However, the issue of security in the energy marketing system is practically ignored by the government and the district administration. They claim that chaos is increasing as there is no effective security system while selling oil at the pumps.
The organization claims that on the day before Eid, 10,500 liters of petrol and the same amount of octane were stored in a pump in a district town. Another of their pumps had about 8,000 liters of fuel. Normally this stock is supposed to be sold for a few days but due to sudden over pressure and chaos it is sold out in no time.
They referred to this situation as a form of robbery.
Complaining that each one is coming to take oil several times a day, they said that the pumps are selling oil according to the instructions of the administration. But many motorcyclists are taking oil 10 times a day and selling it outside at higher prices. And many people are coming to take oil again and again with partially filled tanks. This is depriving genuine needy customers and creating chaos at the pump.
Besides, it is also alleged that late at night, organized mob came to the pump and opened the petrol pump and forcibly took oil. Referring to an incident in Thakurgaon, it is said,During the refueling there, all is done with batons. Such incidents are going to happen to all petrol pump owners. There is no minimum security.
The organization claims that with the shortage of fuel oil, the security issues of petrol pumps are becoming more critical on the part of the state. In this situation there is a security risk during the transportation of oil from the depot; There is a danger that the tankers will be looted on the way. In such a situation, if security is not ensured quickly, they fear that there is no option but to close the business.
According to the organization,On the night before Eid, it was not possible to reserve even 200 liters of octane for ambulances in many petrol pumps. There have also been incidents of forcing the pump open and taking away the fuel. Therefore, unless a strong law enforcement presence is ensured at the pumps, no other option will be left open except to stop oil lifting (collection) from the depot.
