‘Tel Koi’ App Tackles Fuel Queue Chaos with Real-Time Data
The younger generation is often subject to criticism. However, recent developments show that when given the opportunity, this generation can use technology to address real social challenges. At a time when confusion and uncertainty over fuel supplies have created long queues at petrol pumps, a citizen-focused app named “Tel Koi,” developed by a Gen-Z data analyst, has set a promising example by helping reduce the hardship of standing in long lines.
The web-based application can be used from any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. Technology experts believe the app could help reduce the disorder created at fuel stations due to “panic buying.” They also expect it to minimize the frustration of drivers moving from one pump to another in search of fuel, only to exhaust their reserved supplies without success.
Using the app, users can easily find out which petrol pumps currently have fuel available and how crowded they are. The app’s main advantage lies in providing real-time information. Similar to Google Maps, users can tag the location of fuel stations on the web app and submit reports. Based on these reports, the map displays the crowd situation at different pumps for octane, diesel, or petrol.
The app also shows the name of the fuel station and the price at which fuel is being sold. A color-coded indicator—similar to traffic lights—helps users quickly understand whether there is no queue, a short queue, or a long queue at a pump, and whether fuel is being dispensed.
As a crowd-reporting-based platform, the app allows users to add their own information. This helps quickly determine which stations have fuel, where queues are longer, whether supplies have run out at any pump, and what prices are being charged. Information on nearly two hundred petrol stations has already been added to the platform.
The creator of the app, young technologist Sajib Khan, holds a BSc in Computer Science from East West University. He currently works at Pathao Limited as a Data Analytics and AI Automation Engineer.
Amid global tensions surrounding Iran, Israel, and the United States that have sparked concerns about a potential “oil war,” anxiety over fuel supply has spread in Bangladesh. In many parts of the country, long queues, arguments, and even incidents of violence have been reported at petrol pumps. In response to this situation, Sajib Khan introduced this data analytics-based app as a practical solution to help ease the chaos.
The innovative use of technology by young developers like him has recently produced several similar initiatives. Not long ago, an app named “ChandaWatch” was developed to warn people about incidents of extortion. During the month of Ramadan, another young developer created an app called “Biryani Dibe” to inform people about where iftar or biryani distributions would take place at different mosques.
DBTech/NA/EK/OR
