A coordinated nationwide enforcement drive across 11 districts has led to the seizure of nearly 20,000 litres of illegally stored and transported fuel, as authorities intensify efforts to curb black-market activities, artificial shortages, and price manipulation in the petroleum sector.
The joint operation, conducted by mobile courts, law enforcement agencies and district administrations, also resulted in punitive action against offenders. Eight individuals were sentenced to imprisonment and fines, while four business entities were penalised for regulatory breaches. Officials confirmed that such drives will continue in the public interest, with a strict zero-tolerance approach towards irregularities in fuel distribution and storage.
In the capital’s Agargaon area, inspections at two separate establishments uncovered 296 litres of octane and diesel stored without valid documentation. Both entities were fined and issued formal warnings for violating fuel distribution regulations.
In Narsingdi’s Madhabdi, authorities dismantled what they described as an artificial supply disruption scheme, recovering approximately 2,000 litres of illegally stockpiled fuel from warehouses and retail outlets. The seized consignment included petrol, diesel and octane.
A significant recovery was made in Patuakhali’s Kalapara, where authorities intercepted a trawler anchored in a river and confiscated around 6,200 litres of fuel, comprising 3,200 litres of diesel and 3,000 litres of petrol. A filling station linked to the operation was also fined.
In Noakhali’s Hatiya, 1,330 litres of stolen diesel were recovered in separate raids, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Further seizures were reported in Pirojpur, where 2,320 litres were confiscated in Bhandaria, alongside fines imposed on three suspects, while an additional 4,018 litres were recovered in separate operations in Nazirpur (Nesarabad).
Elsewhere, 320 litres of diesel were seized in Faridpur during an illegal transport interception, resulting in a fine and confiscation of the fuel for deposit into the state treasury. In Naogaon’s Mohadevpur, a trading firm was found storing 412 litres of petrol and octane without authorisation, while Keraniganj authorities recovered 823 litres from an unlicensed storage facility.
Price manipulation and overcharging were also targeted in Manikganj, where two businesses were fined a combined BDT 55,000. In Dhaka’s Nawabganj and Dohar areas, another trader was penalised BDT 50,000 for violating consumer rights regulations.
District-wise summary of operations
| District/Area | Fuel Seized (Litres) | Nature of Operation | Enforcement Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agargaon | 296 | Illegal storage and sale | Fine |
| Madhabdi | ~2,000 | Warehouse raids | Seizure |
| Kalapara | 6,200 | River trawler interception | Fine |
| Hatiya | 1,330 | Stolen fuel recovery | Arrest |
| Bhandaria | 2,320 | Warehouse raid | Fine |
| Nazirpur (Nesarabad) | 4,018 | Illegal stockpile | Fine |
| Faridpur | 320 | Transport interception | Fine & deposit |
| Mohadevpur | 412 | Trader inspection | Seizure |
| Keraniganj | 823 | Unlicensed storage | Fine |
| Manikganj & Nawabganj | Not specified | Price violation | Monetary penalty |
Authorities stated that the overarching objective of these sustained operations is to stabilise the fuel market, prevent artificial shortages, and protect consumers from unfair pricing practices. They reiterated that enforcement measures will be further strengthened in the coming weeks to ensure compliance across the supply chain.