26-Day Fuel Crackdown Seizes 208,650 Litres

A nationwide crackdown on the illegal storage, smuggling, and sale of fuel has led to the seizure of more than 208,000 litres of petroleum products within just 26 days, according to official figures released by the government.

Between 3 March and 29 March, a total of 2,08,650 litres of fuel were confiscated as part of intensified enforcement operations aimed at preventing artificial shortages and stabilising the country’s energy supply chain. Authorities also reported the filing of 1,053 cases and the sentencing of 16 individuals to imprisonment during the same period.

The information was disclosed on Monday at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. Speaking at the event, spokesperson and Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury said the government had significantly strengthened surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure stability in the fuel market and to deter attempts at manipulation or hoarding.

According to detailed official data, a total of 3,168 separate operations were conducted across the country during the period. In addition to fuel seizures, fines amounting to 7.516 million taka were collected from individuals and entities found to be involved in irregularities, including illegal storage and unauthorised distribution.

Diesel accounted for the largest share of the confiscated fuel, followed by petrol and octane. Officials noted that targeted operations were carried out at depots, filling stations, and storage facilities suspected of engaging in unlawful practices.

Summary of Enforcement Actions (3–29 March)

Mr Chowdhury reiterated that maintaining discipline in the energy sector remains a top government priority. He stressed that mobile courts have been deployed regularly to prevent artificial shortages that could disrupt supply and inconvenience consumers.

In a further move to strengthen enforcement, the government has announced rewards of up to 100,000 taka for credible information leading to the identification of illegal fuel hoarding or trafficking networks. Officials believe this incentive will encourage greater public participation in monitoring the sector.

Moreover, vigilance teams have been established in every district to conduct routine inspections of fuel depots, petrol stations, and related facilities. Dedicated contact numbers have also been made available to ensure that members of the public can report irregularities quickly and directly.

To reinforce border security and prevent cross-border fuel smuggling, personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key locations and storage hubs. Authorities stated that the overarching objective of the ongoing campaign is to fully dismantle illegal fuel networks while ensuring a stable and uninterrupted national supply system.