The government has formed vigilance teams across all districts to strengthen monitoring of fuel distribution and prevent supply disruptions, as part of a nationwide effort to bring greater discipline to the energy sector.
Officials also announced plans to introduce a reward system for individuals who provide credible information on illegal stockpiling and hoarding.
Authorities have called on citizens to submit specific complaints and recommendations, emphasizing that public cooperation is essential to ensure transparency and maintain market stability.
The initiative, led by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s fuel supply chain.
The Chattogram district administration has taken a firm stance against illegal fuel trading, launching a special operation in the Patenga area based on reliable intelligence.
The drive was conducted Friday around 10:45 AM at Commissioner Ghat under the executive magistrate Subrata Halder. During the operation, authorities recovered approximately 6,000 liters of fuel stored illegally in 30 drums.
Personnel from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and Bangladesh Police participated in the joint drive. However, no suspects were found at the scene during the drive.
The seized fuel has been taken into police custody, and authorities are proceeding with filing a case under relevant provisions of the Special Powers Act, 1974.
Preliminary investigations indicate that an organized group has been siphoning fuel during transportation from seagoing vessels and oil depots and distributing it to local vendors.
Officials reiterated that maintaining order in the fuel sector, ensuring uninterrupted supply, and preventing illegal hoarding remain top priorities. All oil depots, petrol pumps, and related businesses are now under strict surveillance, and such operations will continue on a regular basis.