A severe diesel shortage in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur has disrupted irrigation for Boro and Irri rice cultivation, putting around 30,000 hectares of farmland at risk. Farmers report that without diesel, they cannot operate irrigation pumps, causing fields to crack and seedlings to wither. Many accuse local fuel hoarders of creating an artificial crisis by limiting market supply, while officials have yet to take visible action to resolve the issue.

Local farmers and civic groups warn that if the shortage persists, it could lead to a major decline in seasonal rice production and threaten national food security, as Boro rice is a key contributor to the country’s grain supply. Farmers have urged authorities to restore normal diesel and petrol distribution immediately.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahfuzur Rahman cautioned that irregular irrigation at this stage could severely reduce yields. Upazila Executive Officer Amit Dutta stated that the administration has launched operations against illegal hoarding and is maintaining strict market monitoring to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for farmers.