Bangladesh is actually on the leading edge of alternative fuel sources. Unfortunately, this has also caused supply and demand problems after Cyclone Sidr.
Unlike America, Bangladesh has already taken drastic steps to reduce dependency on foreign fuel sources such as those in the Middle East. Many Bangladeshi motorists now use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead. CNG comes from natural resources within the country and is piped, processed, and distributed to Bangladeshis 100% locally. Unfortunately, Cyclone Sidr has resulted in supply and demand problems. After talking to family members with CNG retro-fitted vehicles, it appears that lineups at CNG stations are in the magnitude of several hours. Lineups have always been long – but this is at least twice or thrice as long as before.
CNG retro-fitted vehicles are basically just regular cars with the engine modified to be hybrid fuel vehicle (a vehicle that can alternate between petroleum and CNG fuel sources). This is a common choice for Bangladeshis wishing to save money from the ever increasing price of petroleum. My grandmother, for example, who still uses a diesel-only car has been hard hit in recent months by the ever increasing price of petroleum. The hardest hit by this CNG supply problem will, as with all tragedies in Bangladesh, be the poor. By law, all “baby taxis” (little 2 or 3 seater scooters also called “motor rickshaws”) have to run on CNG in Dhaka City. If Baby Taxis cannot fuel up, than their drivers can’t earn a living.
It seems the impact of Sidr will be felt for long after its faded from memory.
