Govt cracks down on illegal fuel trade

The government has intensified efforts to curb illegal fuel trading following a major raid in Chattogram that led to the recovery of 6,000 litres of diesel stored in 30 drums. 

The operation, conducted at Commissioner Ghat in Patenga at 10:45am on Friday, was led by Executive Magistrate Subrato Halder with support from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and local police. The confiscated fuel is now in police custody, and a case is being filed under the Special Powers Act, 1974.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a dishonest syndicate has been siphoning fuel during transit from seagoing vessels and oil depots, supplying it illegally to local retailers and disrupting the formal supply chain. 

The power ministry has emphasised a zero-tolerance stance against smuggling and hoarding, stating that the administration is maintaining strict measures to ensure discipline in the energy sector and to stabilise fuel supplies.

As part of the crackdown, the ministry has formed specialised vigilance teams across all 64 districts. In most regions, additional district magistrates have been appointed convenors of the teams, while in other areas, additional deputy commissioners will lead. 

Officials say these teams will enable the administration to receive complaints more rapidly regarding illegal hoarding and transport, and to launch immediate coordinated raids at the local level. A list of vigilance teams along with contact numbers has also been published for public access.

Meanwhile, the Petrol Pump Owners Association has urged citizens to avoid panic buying, assuring that supply disruptions will stabilise from Saturday. 

In an urgent statement issued on Friday, the association explained that temporary interruptions were partly caused by an extended sequence of government holidays in March, which affected routine distribution and replenishment schedules. 

Convener Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul noted that the current rush at petrol pumps is unprecedented in his 50-year career, describing it as unacceptable and urging the public to procure fuel in a measured manner.

The statement emphasised that despite the temporary shortage at certain pumps, there is no systemic crisis in national fuel reserves or regulatory oversight. The association expects normal supply flows to resume once standard logistical operations are restored.

Authorities and industry representatives stressed that public cooperation, combined with sustained enforcement by the vigilance teams, is essential to dismantle illegal operations and restore stability to the fuel distribution system.