Fuel stations in Sylhet have resumed operations after owners suspended an indefinite strike that had raised concerns over supply disruption across the region.
The decision was announced early Thursday by Barrister Riasad Azim Haque Adnan, acting president of the Sylhet divisional committee of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association.
He said the strike was called off following discussions with authorities, though owners warned they may launch fresh programmes if their demands are not met.
Fuel sales, including petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG, had been halted suddenly late Wednesday night, triggering fears of a wider fuel crisis in Sylhet and surrounding areas.
Station owners had alleged that administrative actions, including fines and enforcement measures, created pressure on operators and made normal business operations difficult.
The suspension of the strike came after an emergency meeting held around 1:30 am on Thursday at the Moglabazar Meghna Oil Depot in South Surma. The meeting brought together pump owners, government officials and political representatives, including Sylhet city BNP General Secretary Imdad Ahmed Chowdhury and Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury.
Sources said the decision followed assurances from authorities that steps would be taken to address the concerns raised by pump owners.
The brief shutdown had sparked anxiety among transport operators and consumers, highlighting the sensitivity of fuel distribution systems in regional markets.
Energy analysts say the swift resolution helped prevent prolonged disruption to fuel supply chains, but the situation underscores ongoing tensions between regulators and fuel distributors in Bangladesh’s energy sector.
Authorities are expected to continue discussions with stakeholders to ensure stability in fuel supply and avoid similar disruptions in the future.
