Petrol pump and tank lorry owners announced a nationwide 8-hour strike on May 25, from 6am to 2pm, demanding an increase in fuel sales commissions to a minimum of 7% along with nine other demands.
Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council, a representative body of the owners, called the strike from a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday, according to a UNB report.
Syed Sazzadul Karim Kabul, joint convener of the council, made the announcement, saying that during the strike, all kinds of fuel extraction from depots, transportation, and sales at filling stations across the country will remain suspended.
The press conference was attended by Convener of the organisation Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Joint Conveners Mizanur Rahman Ratan and Zubayer Ahmed Chowdhury, among others.
In a written statement, Kabul said, “According to the last government notification on September 26, 2023, dealers receive a 5% commission on petrol and octane, and 3% on diesel. Until now, the business was run with dealerships and trade licenses. Now, obtaining licenses from the Environment Department, Fire Service, Department of Factories and Establishments, BSTI, and BERC has been made mandatory. We have been protesting these issues for a long time.”
He further stated that no one seems interested in resolving the problems faced by petrol pump owners.
He alleged that, despite years of appeals and protests to the relevant government authorities regarding the difficulties faced by fuel traders and tank lorry owners, none of the promises have been kept.
“It appears an invisible force is intentionally pushing pump owners toward agitation. In the current situation, it has become impossible for us to continue operating such heavily-invested businesses,” he said.
Announcing the protest, Kabul said: “As a last attempt, based on a unanimous decision made at a meeting of traders and association leaders on May 10, we urge the government to meet our demands by May 24.”
“Otherwise, as a symbolic protest, we will observe a nationwide strike on May 25 from 6am to 2pm. During this time, fuel extraction, transportation, and marketing will be halted. However, to keep Hajj and international flights operational, fuel supply to aircraft will remain uninterrupted,” he added.