adminThe Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has given a formal assurance to resolve the long-standing issue of fuel sales commission within 15 working days, leading to the suspension of a nationwide strike by petrol pump owners and tank lorry operators.
The strike, which began at 6 am on Sunday, was launched by the Bangladesh Petrol Pump and Tank Lorry Owners Unity Council to press home a seven-point demand. Chief among these demands was a call to increase the fuel sales commission to 7%. During the strike, petrol pumps remained closed across the country, and fuel extraction and transportation from depots were brought to a halt until 2 pm.
Later in the day, the BPC held a meeting with the representatives of the petrol pump owners to address their concerns. Following discussions, the authorities requested the council to withdraw their strike, assuring them that their demands—particularly the issue of commission—would be addressed within a set timeframe.
Responding to the assurance, the strike was called off. However, leaders of the Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that the strike would resume if the remaining demands are not met within two months.
In addition to the commission hike, the petrol pump owners raised several other concerns during the strike. These include keeping the lease fees from the Roads and Highways Department unchanged and recognising pay orders as equivalent to lease renewals for access roads connected to petrol stations.
They also demanded the removal of certain fees and practices imposed by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), including underground tank calibration, dip rod testing, and registration charges.
Another key demand was the elimination of the requirement for multiple licenses from agencies such as the Department of Environment, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, and the Fire Service.
The association also called for a ban on unauthorised fuel sales by individuals or businesses without dealership licenses. They urged the government to ensure a smoother process for renewing and issuing licenses to tank lorry drivers, as well as granting inter-district route permits for all tank lorries.
Lastly, the council demanded that authorities take action against illegal fuel vending machines that have been set up in residential areas and open spaces, which they claim are undermining licensed operators.
The temporary resolution has brought some relief to fuel consumers, but the situation remains tense as the petrol pump owners continue to push for comprehensive reforms.
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