Farmers in multiple districts of Bangladesh are facing severe difficulties due to an ongoing diesel shortage that has disrupted irrigation during the peak Boro cultivation season. Reports from Rajshahi, Kurigram, Sherpur, Khulna, and Manikganj show that many irrigation pumps and agricultural machines have stopped operating because of fuel scarcity. Farmers say they are unable to water their fields on time, leading to drying crops and fears of reduced yields. In some areas, diesel prices have risen sharply above government rates, while retail pumps report having no stock.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, large portions of farmland in Rajshahi and other regions depend on diesel-powered irrigation systems. In Rajshahi alone, over 21 percent of irrigated land relies on diesel pumps. The shortage has also affected transportation in riverine areas like Manikganj, where engine boats have stopped running, disrupting vegetable supply and driving up market prices.

Farmers and local officials warn that if diesel supply does not normalize soon, Boro rice and vegetable production could face significant setbacks this season.