A man in Manikganj’s Harirampur upazila has been fined for illegally storing diesel at his residence, which he had sourced from his father-in-law, a local fuel dealer. The incident took place in the Razar Kolta area, highlighting growing concerns over fuel hoarding amid regional supply disruptions. On Tuesday afternoon, the son-in-law, identified as Noyon Hossain (28), was fined BDT 5,000 by authorities for unlawfully storing the fuel.
The operation was conducted by the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, led by Md. Asaduzzaman Rumel, the acting Assistant Director of the district office. Noyon Hossain resides in Razar Kolta village under Gala Union.
Background and Context
According to the district office and local sources, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have affected the supply of fuel in Manikganj. Many CNG stations and petrol pumps have reported reduced deliveries, and some have been forced to suspend sales temporarily. In this climate, certain dealers and traders have taken advantage by stockpiling fuel—particularly diesel—for resale at inflated prices.
Upon receiving a tip-off, the consumer rights department launched a midday operation in Razar Kolta. During the raid, authorities discovered diesel stored in drums at Noyon Hossain’s home. While the house contained 20 drums in total, the amount of diesel found to be unlawfully hoarded was 80 litres.
Details of the Seizure
| Name | Age | Residence | Illegal Diesel Quantity | Fine Imposed | Officer in Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noyon Hossain | 28 | Razar Kolta, Gala Union | 80 litres | BDT 5,000 | Md. Asaduzzaman Rumel, Acting AD |
During questioning, Noyon stated that the diesel had been supplied by his father-in-law, Rafiqul Islam, a dealer based in Bhadiakhola. Noyon admitted to storing the fuel at his home and selling it locally.
Md. Asaduzzaman Rumel emphasised that the operation aimed to curb the illegal hoarding and sale of fuel. “The diesel from the father-in-law was stored at the son-in-law’s house and sold at inflated prices,” he said. “We will continue such raids to prevent unlawful stockpiling and overpricing of essential fuels.”
The incident has drawn attention from local residents, as fuel shortages continue to disrupt daily life. Authorities have urged citizens to report any irregularities in fuel distribution to prevent exploitation and ensure fair access.
This case underscores the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in monitoring fuel distribution, particularly during periods of regional instability that affect supply chains. Officials have pledged to maintain vigilance and conduct further inspections to protect consumers from unfair practices.