The 24-Hour CNG Supply Implementation Unity Council has formally demanded an end to the illegal sale of gas from filling stations into open cascade cylinders, alongside a requirement for continuous 24-hour gas supply. During a press conference held on Tuesday, August 4, at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club, representatives highlighted that the ongoing gas crisis is causing a daily financial loss of approximately 125 crore taka to the transport sector, while also wasting 9 crore work hours.
Belal Ahmed, the convener of the council, presented a written statement noting that the country began its journey with eco-friendly CNG-powered vehicles in 2002. Currently, there are nearly 5 million such vehicles operating on the roads. However, recent damage to the Maheshkhali LNG terminal has triggered an acute gas shortage. While CNG stations are supposed to receive a minimum pressure of 15 PSI, they are currently receiving only 4-5 PSI.
To mitigate these issues, the council outlined a five-point demand. First, they insist that all CNG filling stations must remain open 24 hours a day to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for vehicles. Second, the council demands a complete halt to the illegal practice of selling gas from pumps into cylinders and covered vans, calling for strict legal action against those involved in such activities.
The third demand focuses on infrastructure, specifically calling for the installation of separate pipelines for the 4.50 percent of gas allocated to CNG stations to prevent its diversion to other sectors. Fourth, the council insists that gas supply must be restricted exclusively to legally registered CNG-powered vehicles.
Finally, the council proposed a series of administrative reforms, including the implementation of a “first-come, first-served” policy for gas distribution, the cancellation of VIP privileges, and the prevention of artificial shortages and meter tampering. They also called for regular mobile court operations to stop harassment by traffic police.
The council warned that if these demands are not met, they will escalate their protest. Plans include a roundtable discussion at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on August 16, followed by a mass rally in front of the National Press Club and the submission of a memorandum to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on August 24.
The press conference was attended by the organization’s member secretary, Md. Golam Faruk, along with various owners and workers from the CNG-powered transport sector.