Petrol pump and tank lorry owners across Bangladesh are observing a half-day strike on Sunday. The strike, called by the Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council, began at 6:00am on Sunday and will continue until 2:00 pm.
The council, which includes the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association and the Bangladesh Tank Lorry Owners Association, said they are protesting due to the government’s failure to meet earlier promises. Joint Convener Md Mizanur Rahman confirmed the strike started as scheduled. He also noted that Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has called a meeting at 10:00am, and future actions will depend on the outcome of that meeting.
As part of the strike, fuel extraction, transport, and distribution are halted. However, jet fuel for Hajj and international flights, as well as fuel for ambulances, fire services, and police (with supply contracts), will remain unaffected.
The key demands include setting the fuel sales commission at a minimum of 7%, keeping lease fees for Roads and Highways Department’s land unchanged, consider the lease renewal for pump access roads valid upon submission of the required pay order , limiting BSTI’s (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) inspections to only the stamping and calibration of dispensing units, cancelling fees and registration requirements for underground tank calibration and dip rod inspection, removing the licensing requirements from the Department of Environment.