Allegations of serious malpractice have emerged surrounding the retail of fuel in the Demra এলাকায় of the capital, with claims that petrol and diesel are being diverted from authorised filling stations into the open market. The reported practice involves transferring fuel into drums and bottles, reducing availability for ordinary motorists and contributing to prolonged queues and rising informal prices.
Field observations conducted between মঙ্গলবার (২১ এপ্রিল) রাত and বুধবার (২২ এপ্রিল) দুপুর indicate that several filling stations were visibly engaged in supplying fuel into large containers. At approximately 12:10 a.m., a pickup vehicle carrying multiple empty drums was seen at a station in the Staff Quarter area, where staff appeared to fill the containers openly. Individuals present at the site stated that the fuel would subsequently be distributed to informal বাজার networks and resold at higher prices.
At the same time, long queues of motorcycles and private cars were observed outside nearby stations. Many drivers reported waiting পাঁচ থেকে ছয় ঘণ্টা without success. কয়েকজন চালক জানান, intense heat compounded the hardship, with some leaving empty-handed after extended অপেক্ষা.
Local residents have alleged the existence of a coordinated ব্যবসায়ী গোষ্ঠী that systematically collects fuel from multiple filling stations. According to them, this network redistributes fuel through informal vendors across different parts of the city at rates exceeding government-fixed prices. একজন খোলা বাজার বিক্রেতা confirmed that he regularly procures fuel from such stations and sells it in smaller quantities to স্থানীয় গ্রাহক, indicating that a broader supply chain is already in operation.
The situation is summarised below:
| বিষয় (Aspect) | পর্যবেক্ষণ (Observation) |
|---|---|
| Location | Demra, Staff Quarter area |
| সময় (Timeframe) | ২১ এপ্রিল রাত – ২২ এপ্রিল দুপুর |
| Activity | Fuel supplied in drums and bottles |
| Impact | দীর্ঘ লাইন, limited access for motorists |
| Allegation | Resale in open market at inflated prices |
The owner of one accused filling station denied wrongdoing, insisting that fuel sales were conducted in accordance with official regulations. However, no clear explanation was offered regarding the visible বিতরণ of fuel into বড় ড্রাম.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have stated that monitoring of fuel storage and distribution has been intensified. Officials indicated that কঠোর ব্যবস্থা will be taken if evidence of illegal hoarding or unauthorised resale is established.
A broader assessment suggests that gaps in oversight within the fuel supply chain are enabling such irregularities. Energy sector observers note that ensuring transparency at each stage—from depot dispatch to retail sale—could significantly reduce সুযোগ for diversion and restore equitable access for consumers. Strengthened enforcement, coupled with digital tracking of fuel distribution, may prove essential in preventing recurrence of such অভিযোগ.