Speedboat services suspended in Rangamati's Kaptai lake due to fuel shortage

Passenger speedboats on Kaptai Lake have been suspended since this morning due to a shortage of fuel, leaving commuters stranded across Rangamati.

While launches continue to operate, the speedboat suspension has caused significant disruption, as they are the faster and preferred mode of transport.

The only means of communication between Rangamati city and the five upazilas of the district -- Baghaichhari, Langadu, Barkal, Juraichhari and Belaichhari -- are wooden double-decker launches and speed boats.

Md Mohiuddin, lineman at Rangamati Fishery Ghat, said no fuel has been available since Saturday (March 14, 2026). “We have informed the district administration. The filling station has promised 200 litres tomorrow, subject to arrival of oil. That will allow about five boats to operate,” he explained.

Moinuddin Selim, president of the Rangamati Launch Owners Association, confirmed launches remain operational but warned that oil supplies from pumps are below demand. “However, we have enough stored to run for two–three days,” he added.

Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi acknowledged the disruption, saying, “There have been some problems due to the shutdown of oil supply. We have asked filling stations to allocate oil so that launches and speedboats can operate. We are working to resolve this crisis.”

Kamrul Hasan, a passenger, said, "You can travel in less time by speedboat than by launch. But since the speedboat service has been suspended since this morning, we are suffering. Boat drivers are saying that the boats have stopped operating due to lack of fuel. I was supposed to go to Langadu, but since there is no launch after 2:30 in the afternoon, I will be forced to stay at my relatives' house in the city."