Fishing activity in the Padma and Jamuna rivers has slowed sharply in Shibaloy Upazila of Manikganj as an acute diesel shortage leaves engine-run boats idle and fishermen without income.
The fuel crisis has forced thousands of fishermen to suspend operations, cutting off daily earnings and pushing families into hardship across the riverine areas.
A visit to Aricha ghat found most fishing boats anchored along the Jamuna riverbank, with fishermen repairing nets or maintaining boats instead of heading out to fish.
Local sources said Aribal Filling Station at Aricha has remained without octane for nearly 25 days and has also run out of petrol in recent days, while limited diesel stocks are expected to be exhausted soon.
Other filling stations in the upazila are facing similar shortages, with several pumps shut due to a complete lack of fuel.
“Without octane and diesel, we have had to keep the station closed as customers return empty-handed,” said Uthuli Mor Sarmano Filling Station Manager Md Daud Haidar.
“My station has been without octane and petrol for a long time, and the little diesel left may run out within two to three days, with no certainty on fresh supply,” said Aribal Filling Station Owner Akhtar Hossain Ananda.
Fishermen said the shortage has sharply reduced their time on the river, with many unable to operate at all.
“We cannot fish properly due to the fuel crisis, as we used to stay on the river for seven to eight hours but now can manage only two to three hours,” said Jamuna river fisherman Azgar Ali.
“Earlier, diesel cost Tk100 per litre, but now we are paying between Tk120 and Tk180,” he added.
Another fisherman, Ujjal Sheikh, said daily operations require about 10 litres of diesel, but they are receiving only two to three litres.
“At this rate, it is impossible to run a family,” he said.
Retail markets in the area are also facing shortages, with diesel being sold at Tk30 to Tk50 above the official rate in some places.
Many fishermen are forced to buy small quantities at higher prices, while others are unable to go to the river at all.
Former president of Shibaloy fish wholesale market Haji Abdur Razzaq said around 7,000 fishermen live in Shibaloy, Daulatpur and Harirampur upazilas, with about 5,000 regularly engaged in fishing.
“They are now receiving 30 to 40 per cent less diesel than required,” he said.
District authorities said special arrangements have been introduced to facilitate fuel access for fishermen.
“Fishermen with valid cards and certification from relevant authorities will be able to collect fuel from filling stations,” said Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana.
