Energy Crisis Hits Hard Public Transport in Dhaka City

An acute energy crisis has severely disrupted public transportation in Dhaka City, causing immense suffering to thousands of daily commuters. A shortage of fuel, rising energy costs and irregular supplies have reduced the number of buses operating on major routes, resulting in long queues, overcrowded vehicles and unusually long waiting times.

Dhaka's public transport system already struggles to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population. The recent energy crisis has made the situation even worse. Many bus operators have reportedly reduced the number of trips because of difficulties in purchasing fuel at higher prices. Some vehicles have remained off the roads, while others are operating for shorter hours.

The impact is most visible during the morning and evening rush hours. Passengers waiting at busy stops often find themselves competing for limited seats. Buses become dangerously overcrowded, with many passengers forced to travel standing or hang from doors. Women, children, elderly people and people with disabilities face particular difficulties.

Office workers and students are among the worst affected. Many commuters are reaching their workplaces and educational institutions late because of prolonged waiting times. Some have been forced to use rickshaws, ride-sharing services or private vehicles, but these alternatives are often too expensive for ordinary families. As a result, the crisis is placing an additional financial burden on people who already face rising living costs.

Transport workers are also under pressure. Drivers and helpers complain that higher fuel expenses are reducing their earnings. Bus owners, meanwhile, argue that operating vehicles has become increasingly expensive because of fuel prices, maintenance costs and other expenses. They have called for effective government measures to ensure a stable fuel supply and make public transport economically sustainable.

Experts warn that a prolonged energy crisis could have serious consequences for Dhaka's economy. Public transport is the lifeline of the city, carrying millions of people every day. If transportation becomes unreliable, businesses may suffer, workers may lose productive hours and traffic congestion may increase as more people turn to private vehicles. Citizens are urging the authorities to take immediate action. They want uninterrupted fuel supplies, reasonable energy prices and better monitoring of public transport services. Authorities should also consider long-term measures, including expanding mass transit, encouraging energy-efficient vehicles and developing alternative sources of energy.