CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers blocked the Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram highway at Link Road in Cox’s Bazar on Sunday afternoon, demanding adequate gas supplies.
The drivers staged a protest in front of Foyez Petrol Pump in the Link Road area of Cox’s Bazar Sadar around noon, bringing traffic on the busy highway to a standstill.
The protesters chanted slogans including “Give us gas, or we will block the road” during the demonstration.
The blockade halted traffic on both sides of the highway, causing long tailbacks and significant suffering for passengers and long-distance vehicle operators.
The protesting CNG drivers said inadequate gas supplies had made it difficult for them to operate their vehicles regularly. As a result, their income has fallen and passenger transport services have also been disrupted.
Ashraf Mia, a CNG driver, said he could not operate his vehicle regularly because of the gas shortage.
“Even after standing in line for a long time, we cannot get gas. Our income has fallen, making it difficult to support our families,” he said.
Another driver, Shah Alam, said their difficulties would increase if gas supplies were not restored soon.
“We want the problem resolved quickly. If we cannot get gas, how will we earn a living by driving our vehicles?” he said.
Passenger Laila Akter said the shortage was also disrupting public transport.
“The problems faced by CNG drivers are affecting traffic movement. Gas supplies should be restored quickly to bring the situation back to normal,” she said.
A sales representative of Foyez Petrol Pump said the station could not supply CNG according to demand because of inadequate gas supplies.
“Every day, a large number of vehicles wait for gas. If the supply becomes normal, the crisis will ease considerably,” he said.
A gas seller named Shahed said they also wanted to supply gas according to drivers’ demand but couldn’t because of insufficient supply.
“The matter should be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and resolved quickly,” he said.
The blockade caused considerable inconvenience to passengers and long-distance vehicles travelling along the Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram highway.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Tarekur Rahman
