A Bangladeshi software developer has recently launched a new website to assist drivers in tracking real-time fuel prices and availability at gas stations nationwide. The platform, known as Tel Koi, aggregates user-generated data on fuel status and pricing at various locations, enabling motorists to plan their refueling stops more effectively.
Sajib Khan, the creator of Tel Koi and a computer science graduate from East West University, shared that he initiated the project by extracting petrol station data from Google Maps. While the database is still growing, users have the option to contribute by adding missing stations to the platform.
To ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Tel Koi implements a community-based voting system where users can validate or challenge reports on fuel availability and prices through a simple yes or no vote. This collaborative approach aims to refine the data quality as more individuals participate in the verification process.
The website serves as a practical tool for drivers, particularly during times of uncertainty like the current situation where long queues at fuel stations have been observed across Bangladesh, notably in cities such as Dhaka and Chattogram due to concerns about potential disruptions in fuel supply related to conflicts in the Middle East.
In response to the heightened demand, the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has implemented temporary restrictions on daily fuel purchases to manage the situation effectively. The limits include a maximum of 2 litres for motorcycles, 10 litres for private cars, 20-25 litres for larger vehicles such as SUVs and microbuses, and up to 220 litres for long-distance buses, trucks, and container vehicles.