12,000 litres of illegally hoarded diesel seized in Mongla

KHULNA, Mar 29: Members of a joint force seized over 12,000 litres of illegally hoarded diesel from an oil depot in Dwigraj area of Mongla upazila in Khulna district early Sunday.

A joint team comprising Coast Guard, Navy, Police and officials from local administration conducted the drive at the depot around 1 am and seized the diesel, said Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.

According to officials, 12,613 litres of diesel were found stored without proper documentation in three tanks at a depot operated by Jamuna Petroleum Limited in the Mongla Oil Installation area.

The market value of the seized oil is Tk 12.10 lakh.

Authorities said they are investigating why the fuel was stored without valid papers and have sought explanations from the depot authorities.

Allegations have recently surfaced that some unscrupulous traders from both government and private depots have been hoarding petrol, octane and diesel to make illegal profits amid a crisis in fuel supply across different parts of the country.

The seized diesel has been kept in custody and further legal action will be taken under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat district.

The Coast Guard said such drives will continue to ensure stability in the fuel supply in Mongla port areas and across the country.    �"UNB