Residents of Fulbaria in Mymensingh are facing increased hardship as a gas shortage has pushed up CNG auto-rickshaw fares and household cooking-gas costs. In a report published on August 17, passengers said commuting to workplaces and other destinations has become more expensive, while complaints of extra charges have emerged on several local routes. Drivers say fuel scarcity and higher operating costs have forced them to raise fares.

Fares from Fulbaria Old Bus Stand to the Mymensingh-Dhaka bypass and from Fulbaria to the old bus stand rose from Tk50 to Tk60. The fare from Fulbaria to Achim Bazar increased from Tk40 to Tk50. Drivers said they need Tk300 to Tk400 worth of gas daily, but one driver reported receiving only Tk120 worth after waiting from morning until afternoon at a Mymensingh gas station.

Passengers said the higher fares are straining household budgets, while drivers said they must sometimes buy more expensive LPG. CNG station master Insan Ali said fares would return to previous levels if gas supplies normalize. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shahidul Islam Sohag said action would be taken if excessive fares or inflated cylinder prices are proven.