Fuel traders in Sylhet have withdrawn their strike that was called following an attack and stabbing of a petrol pump employee in the city. The decision was announced at a press conference on Tuesday at the divisional office of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association. Leaders said the strike was lifted after authorities assured them of swift justice for the attackers and improved security for pump workers and establishments.

The association leaders criticized the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s (BPC) new marketing policy, which they said reduces fuel supply by 25 percent compared to the average volume lifted between March and June of the previous year. They argued that despite adequate octane and petrol production from Sylhet’s gas field condensate, the policy has disrupted normal supply to pumps, causing public anger and occasional clashes.

The traders warned that unless the policy is revised, they would keep pumps open but suspend fuel lifting from depots, potentially hampering marketing operations.