Dhaka, April 3 -- The escalating conflict in the Middle East has sent ripples through the remote hills of Khagrachhari, where a severe fuel shortage has disrupted the local transport network and slashed the earnings of thousands of ride-sharing motorcyclists.

In a region where narrow, winding roads make larger vehicles impractical, motorcycles serve as the primary mode of public transport.

The impact on the livelihoods of the district's estimated 5,000 rental motorcyclists has been devastating.

According to them, their daily earnings have seen a dramatic decline as bikes remain idle in long queues at filling stations.

Ride-sharers' previous average daily income was Tk 1,200-Tk 1,500, but it has now dropped to below Tk 200-Tk 300.

"We...