A Bangladeshi software developer has launched a new website to assist drivers in tracking fuel prices and availability at gas stations nationwide in real-time. The website, known as Tel Koi, aggregates user-generated reports on the availability and prices of fuel at various stations. Currently, the platform monitors hundreds of locations and enables users to submit live updates, aiding motorists in planning their refueling stops.
Sajib Khan, the creator of Tel Koi and a computer science graduate from East West University, explained that he initiated the project by extracting data from Google Maps to compile a list of petrol stations. While acknowledging that the database is still expanding, users have the option to contribute by adding missing stations to the platform.
To ensure the accuracy of information, Tel Koi implements a community voting system where users can validate or challenge reports regarding fuel prices and availability at specific stations through a simple yes or no vote. This collaborative approach aims to refine the data as more individuals participate in the platform.
Tel Koi serves as a valuable tool for the community, assisting drivers in locating fuel efficiently, especially during times of uncertainty. The launch of this platform coincides with the surge in demand at gas stations across Bangladesh, notably in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram, due to concerns about potential supply disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
In response to the heightened demand, the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has imposed temporary restrictions on daily fuel purchases to manage the situation effectively. The measures stipulate that motorcycles can purchase a maximum of 2 liters per day, while private cars are limited to 10 liters. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and microbuses are allowed between 20 and 25 liters per visit, with pickup trucks and local buses eligible for 70 to 80 liters of diesel. Long-haul buses, trucks, and container vehicles can refuel with quantities ranging from 200 to 220 liters.
