Mamun Mridha, a stationery trader from Mohammadpur in the capital, had purchased a ticket for a Unique Paribahan bus scheduled for March 18 to travel to Shakharia in Patuakhali for the Eid journey.

However, the bus operator informed him by phone on Saturday that the scheduled trip would not operate due to the fuel shortage and rising oil prices. Like Mamun, many passengers suspect that an artificial crisis is being created to increase fares. The cancellation of advance tickets, citing the fuel shortage, has created uncertainty among hundreds of passengers about their journey home for Eid.

Visits to several ticket counters in Gabtoli and Gulistan in the capital yesterday revealed large crowds of people seeking advance tickets for buses bound for different districts. Those who managed to purchase tickets said they had to pay more than the usual fare. Some counters also claimed that no seats were available. Meanwhile, several passengers whose tickets were cancelled arrived to collect refunds, and some complained of rude behaviour from counter staff.

Bus operators, however, claim that fears of a fuel shortage have emerged due to the war situation in the Middle East. In such circumstances, they say, petrol pumps are not supplying sufficient fuel to meet demand. According to them, fuel stations have informed transport companies that each vehicle will be allowed to collect fuel only once a day. As a result, many bus trips have been cancelled, while some operators have reduced the number of advance tickets for Eid travel. They added that if the current concerns over fuel supply ease, the problem will no longer exist.

Mohibullah, a passenger of Sakura Paribahan travelling to Kuakata in Patuakhali, said, “I had bought a ticket for the night coach on March 17. Since that trip was cancelled, I took a ticket for the next morning. Earlier, I got a seat in the ‘B’ line, but this time I managed one in the ‘F’ line, and had to pay a bit extra.”

Another passenger of Unique Paribahan, Abu Musa, who is also travelling to Shakharia, said, “I bought a ticket for BDT 880, which normally costs BDT 650. Later on Saturday afternoon, the Unique counter called and said the coach had been cancelled. So I collected a refund and am now trying to get a ticket on another bus.”

Helal Mia, a staff member at the Gabtoli counter of Unique Paribahan, acknowledged the cancellation of trips but denied allegations of charging extra fares. “We cancelled the advance Eid tickets we had sold earlier. Under the current situation, it’s not possible to operate all vehicles. Fuel stations have informed us that each vehicle will be allowed to collect fuel only once a day. That’s why we can’t put all our coaches on the road at the same time,” he said.

Rejecting claims of overcharging, he added, “We aren’t collecting any extra fare. Sometimes we sell tickets at a slightly lower price when passenger numbers are low. But during the Eid season, tickets are being sold at the usual seasonal rates. However, if we can’t get fuel from the pumps, it’s difficult to say how buses will operate.”

Although coaches on several routes have been cancelled, most transport operators are still selling tickets for other routes. However, they could not confirm whether services will continue if the fuel situation deteriorates further. Ekramul Haque, a ticket seller at the Gabtoli branch of Satkhira Line Paribahan, said, “We’re continuing to sell advance Eid tickets.”

Two operators — Kotalipara Star Express and Tarakandi–Dhaka Bus Service — said they may suspend several of their coaches during the Eid travel period. According to the companies, the unusual price hike in the international fuel market and the ongoing crisis have created the possibility that some services may be halted this Eid. If any trips are cancelled, passengers who purchased advance tickets will receive refunds within the stipulated time. The companies also sought patience and cooperation from passengers amid the unexpected situation facing the transport sector.

Saiful Alam, secretary general of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, said, “It’s difficult for bus owners to decide on operating services at full capacity given the current fuel situation. However, if fuel supply returns to normal, it’ll be possible to put an adequate number of buses on the road.”

He added that the impact of the fuel crisis may not remain limited to road transport alone. “If the situation doesn’t improve, railways, launches, and other modes of transport may also face operational constraints. When fuel prices rise or supply falls short, vehicle operations are naturally disrupted. The government is also working on the matter.”

He expressed hope that an effective solution to the crisis would be found soon.