SHERPUR, BOGURA, Apr 18: A mobile court in Sherpur Upazila of Bogura has fined a trader for allegedly creating an artificial diesel shortage to make excessive profits.
Around 2,500 litres of illegally hoarded diesel were seized and later sold to farmers at the government-fixed price.
The drive was conducted at around 5:30pm on Wednesday at Ranirhat Bazar in Bishalpur union.
Swapan Chandra Mondal, owner of Messrs Bimal Traders, was fined Tk 10,000.
Sherpur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan confirmed the matter.
According to the local administration, the trader was permitted to store up to 5,000 litres of diesel under his explosive licence. However, he reportedly collected around 9,000 litres.
Although some had already been sold, about 2,500 litres were found secretly hoarded.
Officials said the trader had been creating an artificial shortage in the market and selling diesel to farmers at inflated prices, particularly during the irrigation season.
Acting on a tip-off, the mobile court conducted the drive, seized the diesel, and arranged for its sale to farmers at the government-set rate.
Local farmer Arab Ali said the shortage had disrupted irrigation, forcing many to buy fuel at higher prices. He welcomed the administration's action, saying it ensured fair access.
The executive magistrate said the allegations were proven during the drive, and legal action was taken under the Petroleum Act.
He added that the seized diesel was sold in the presence of local representatives, agriculture officials, and journalists, and warned against such practices in the future.
