Fuel shortage halts Sandwip-Ctg speedboat services

A shortage of fuel has forced the suspension of speedboat services between Sandwip and Chattogram, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and compounding travel difficulties for residents of the island.

The service remained suspended from this morning as operators failed to secure sufficient octane to run the boats, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the leaseholder operating the route.

Around 20 speedboats usually operate on the route, transporting nearly 2,500 passengers daily across the channel. The vessels have now been taken off service due to the fuel crisis.

Leaseholder Jaglul Hossain Nayan told The Daily Star operating the fleet requires at least 4,000 litres of octane each day.

“Since the fuel shortage began, we have not been able to collect more than 500 litres a day. As a result, we had no choice but to suspend passenger services,” he said.

He added that if small amounts of octane are available, they are being reserved for two boats kept on standby exclusively for transporting patients in emergencies.

Home to more than 400,000 people, Sandwip relies solely on waterways for communication with the mainland.

At present, a ferry operates twice daily on the Sandwip–Chattogram route, while a few wooden boats also carry passengers. But these options are slower and often unable to meet the demand.

Alamgir Hossain, a Sandwip resident and businessman who returned home after failing to find a speedboat at Kumira ghat, said he had planned to attend a Ramadan gathering on the island.

“I went to the ghat in the morning but had to return as there were no speedboats operating,” he said.

“We already face many difficulties travelling on this route. The suspension has added to our suffering.”

Passengers on the route have long complained of multiple problems, including dependence on tides, dilapidated jetties, boat shortages and excessive fares.

BIWTA Chattogram Deputy Director Noyon Shil said operators previously used to purchase fuel from state-owned companies and store enough supplies for four to five days.

“But due to the ongoing nationwide fuel shortage, they are unable to stockpile fuel and are also not getting the required amount. That is why they had to suspend the service,” he said.

He added that efforts were underway to resume the speedboat service at least on a limited scale.