A severe diesel shortage has hit Babuganj upazila and nearby areas of Barishal during the peak Boro season, leaving thousands of farmers unable to operate irrigation pumps. As a result, many paddy fields are drying up and cracking, raising fears of a major production setback. Farmers in Rakudia village reported that their pumps have stopped due to lack of fuel, and they are struggling to collect small amounts of diesel for short-term use.

Local fuel traders and pump owners said supply from depots has fallen sharply, making it impossible to meet demand. Farmers, many of whom cultivated their land on credit, now face potential financial losses. At Kamini Filling Station, officials said farmers wait in long lines but receive only limited fuel each day. The local administration has intensified market monitoring to prevent hoarding and overpricing, while the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) has introduced written permits to help farmers access fuel.

Officials warned that unless diesel supply normalizes soon, irrigation disruptions could affect the entire Barishal region’s Boro production targets.