In Rangamati, passenger speedboat services have been suspended due to a shortage of fuel, causing inconvenience to travellers heading to various upazilas. On Sunday (15 March) morning, visits to local speedboat ghats revealed that services were completely halted due to a lack of octane fuel.
According to the line man, Md. Mohiuddin, “Every day, 12–15 passenger speedboats operate to different upazilas of Rangamati. Although we managed to run services over the past few days, today’s lack of fuel forced a complete stop. Passengers are being forced to turn back. If the authorities do not take notice, travellers returning home for Eid will face serious hardship.”
Meanwhile, Rangamati Launch Owners Association has expressed concerns over diesel shortages affecting passenger launch operations. Association president Md. Moinuddin Selim said,
“We need 1,200 liters of diesel daily. We have submitted a request to the district administration to maintain regular supply. The Deputy Commissioner has assured us, but if the supply remains irregular, homebound travelers during Eid will face difficulties.”
Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi confirmed the problem, stating,
“Retail shops have stopped supplying fuel, creating some issues. We have also received complaints about stockpiling at the consumer level. Mobile quotas are being used to resolve the issue.”
Despite the government lifting rations from the depot, the effects are still felt in Rangamati. The six upazilas—Baghaichhari, Barkal, Juraichhari, Bilaichhari, Langadu, and Naniarchar—depend entirely on waterways for transport.
Fuel shortages have also affected local filling stations, pumps, and irrigation for agricultural lands in the upazilas. Travellers and local communities are facing increasing difficulties due to the ongoing fuel crisis.
