CNG Station Owners Issue Strike Ultimatum Over Four-Point Demand, Including Higher Sales Commission

The Bangladesh CNG Filling Station and Conversion Workshop Owners Association has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding a hike in the sales commission on CNG and three other reforms. The association warned of a nationwide symbolic strike on July 30, followed by an indefinite shutdown of all CNG filling stations from August 23 if their demands are not met.

The announcement came during a press conference on Tuesday at the association’s office in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Association leaders, including President Manoranjan Bhakta and Secretary General Farhan Noor, were present as Convener Amiruzzaman Chowdhury read out the written statement.

The association highlighted that CNG filling stations have been receiving a commission of Tk 8 per cubic metre of CNG since September 1, 2015—unchanged for nearly 11 years. Over this period, electricity and gas prices have increased multiple times, while high inflation has driven up workers’ wages, bank guarantee commissions, loan interest rates, the US dollar exchange rate, and other operating expenses.

According to the association, most filling stations are now operating at a loss due to the stagnant commission. The four-point demand includes an increase in the sales commission, revision of the price of CNG, and two other unspecified reforms. The government has yet to respond to the ultimatum.

If the indefinite shutdown proceeds, it could severely disrupt fuel supply for millions of vehicles across Bangladesh, affecting public transport and daily commuters. The association urges immediate action to avoid a crisis.

Article source: energybangla.com | Image credit: Energy Bangla