Trader Fined Over Illegal Fuel Stockpile In Barisal

In a significant crackdown on the illicit trade of petroleum products, a mobile court in the Gournadi Upazila of Barisal has penalised a local businessman for the illegal stockpiling and price gouging of 3,200 litres of fuel. The operation, conducted on Saturday, 18 April 2026, targeted an electronics retail outlet that had been covertly functioning as an unlicensed fuel depot, exploiting local consumers through predatory pricing.

The raid was initiated following precise intelligence gathered by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) Barisal district office. The undercover operation revealed that the establishment, which ostensibly sold consumer electronics, was secretly hoarding vast quantities of diesel, petrol, and octane without the requisite safety permits or trade licences.

Details of the Enforcement Operation

The administrative strike commenced in the late afternoon and concluded at approximately 6:30 pm in the Sarikol Bazaar area. Leading the intervention was the Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate, Mr Md. Mehedi Hasan. The multi-agency task force comprised officials from the Upazila administration, NSI operatives, and members of the Gournadi Police Station.

During the meticulous search of M/S Rahman Electronics, officers discovered a substantial cache of fuel barrels concealed within the premises. The proprietor, Abdur Rahman, was found to have acquired the fuel from the Meghna Oil Depot via a third party in the Port Road area of Barisal city earlier that day. Under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, the magistrate imposed an immediate financial penalty of 50,000 BDT on the trader for his flagrant violation of trade regulations and public safety.

Intelligence and Supply Chain Irregularities

NSI sources indicate that the trader had been operating this clandestine side-business for a considerable duration. By bypassing official distribution channels and lacking any fire safety clearances, the shop posed a severe hazard to the densely populated Sarikol Bazaar. The investigation revealed that the 3,200 litres were transported to Gournadi under the guise of an electronics consignment to evade detection by law enforcement.

The fuel was reportedly being sold at a significant premium above the government-mandated retail prices. Upon verification of these predatory practices, the mobile court not only issued the fine but also passed a directive for the immediate liquidation of the seized stock to the public.

“Illegal hoarding of essential energy resources creates artificial crises and puts public safety at risk,” stated Executive Magistrate Md. Mehedi Hasan. “We have instructed the President and General Secretary of the local Market Committee to oversee the sale of this seized fuel to the public at fair, government-regulated prices.”

Continued Vigilance Against Market Manipulation

The authorities have issued a stern warning that such “dishonest business practices” will be met with the full force of the law. The NSI has confirmed that surveillance on suspicious retail outlets and warehouses across the Barisal division will be intensified to prevent further market manipulation and ensuring consumer protection.

Following the raid, the 3,200 litres of fuel were placed under the strict supervision of the Sarikol Bazaar Committee to ensure they reach genuine consumers. Local residents have welcomed the intervention, noting that the presence of such a large volume of flammable liquid in an electronics shop was a “ticking time bomb” for the local community. The Upazila administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stable market prices and ensuring that no individual is permitted to operate high-risk businesses without explicit legal authorisation.