STAFF CORRESPONDENT

City corporations are continuing fogging operations for mosquito control in Dhaka amid concerns over the ongoing diesel shortage in the country during the monsoon, the usual time for outbreaks of Aedes mosquitoes.

Officials from both Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) claimed there is no immediate risk, as contractors responsible for ensuring fuel supply and the authorities concerned have already taken steps to avoid any disruption.

DNCC uses malathion, mixed with diesel at a ratio of 5 percent per litre for fogging, while DSCC uses deltamethrin, mixed at 0.1 millilitres per litre of diesel.

Sources say DNCC currently needs about 3,25,000 litres of diesel for fogging, while DSCC requires around 2,00,000 litres. Both city corporations, alongside contractors, are also contacting relevant government agencies to secure the fuel supply.

DNCC, which has 54 wards, requires about 1,100 litres of diesel-mixed malathion daily. As of March 30, it had around 27,000 litres in stock — barely enough to continue operations till April 25.

On March 12, DNCC issued a Tk 16.29 crore work order to procure a supply of 3,60,000 litres of malathion by May 11. However, contractor Habibur Rahman Gazi has informed authorities that he is unable to supply due to the diesel shortage, noting that 3,27,000 litres of diesel are needed to produce the required amount.

Brig Gen Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, DNCC’s chief health officer, said there is no shortage until April 21, However,

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