In response to the Energy Division's plea, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified border security from Saturday across the country to curb fuel smuggling. Measures include increased patrols, enhanced naval operations, establishment of check-posts, and rigorous search operations.
Surveillance at key border points, including Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Land Customs Ports (LCPs), has been heightened, with regular inspections of trucks and other vehicles involved in import-export activities. These steps aim to prevent hoarding, maintain market stability, and counter stockpiling or cross-border smuggling.
"The Energy Division has appointed a 'tag officer' for every filling station across the country to monitor fuel shipments from depots," the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said. Each tag officer will track how much fuel is withdrawn from depots and whether it reaches the designated stations.
To prevent illegal hoarding, the government has also deployed 293 mobile courts across 62 districts.
The Energy Division has urged citizens not to panic or buy excess fuel, confirming that fuel stocks and supply are normal. Fuel rationing has been introduced, and security measures at filling stations have been intensified. Drives against illegal hoarding are ongoing.
Despite these efforts, supply "hiccups" are affecting some filling stations, owners say. The government continues to purchase fuel from international markets to ensure uninterrupted supply. "Petrol, octane and diesel are highly flammable. Storing them privately is very dangerous," the ministry warned, adding that strict action is being taken against those involved in hoarding for profit.
Since 25 March, BGB personnel have been deployed at 19 depots across nine districts: one in Dhaka, two in Kurigram, three each in Rangpur and Rajshahi, two in Sylhet, three each in Moulvibazar and Cumilla, and one each in Brahmanbaria and Sunamganj.
They are strengthening intelligence surveillance, preventing unauthorised fuel sales, and taking action to avert potential sabotage.
Mobile courts, under executive magistrates, are active in all districts to ensure stable supply and prevent irregularities in distribution and sales. As of 27 March, 78 cases were filed and fines totalling Tk 315,550 were imposed. Operations continue daily in Dhaka and surrounding areas.
The government has not raised fuel prices and urges the public not to be misled. Rewards have been introduced for informants providing information on illegal fuel hoarding. Teams comprising local administration, law enforcement, and other departments will supervise depots, filling stations, and transport to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth supply.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindo Islam Amit said daily diesel demand was previously around 12,000 tonnes, while petrol and octane demand ranged from 1,200-1,400 tonnes. Ahead of Eid, daily diesel supply rose to 24,000-25,000 tonnes-almost double.
He added that a well-known petrol pump in Dhaka sold about 5,000 litres of octane daily in March 2025, but that figure has risen to 9,000-10,000 litres, and supplies often run out within two to three hours.
Citizens are urged to submit precise complaints or suggestions to assist authorities in ensuring fair distribution and preventing malpractice.
