Govt offers rewards for information on fuel hoarding

The Bangladesh government has introduced new measures to prevent artificial shortages of fuel, including plans to reward individuals who provide credible information on illegal stockpiling.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said it is preparing to formally announce incentives for citizens who assist authorities by reporting unlawful fuel hoarding. The move is part of a broader effort to stabilise supply and maintain discipline in the energy sector.

Officials confirmed that vigilance teams have already been deployed across all districts to monitor fuel distribution and identify irregularities. The ministry has also urged the public to come forward with specific complaints and actionable intelligence to support enforcement efforts.

Alongside these measures, field-level operations have intensified. Authorities have launched coordinated drives aimed at dismantling illegal storage networks. In one such operation conducted on Friday in Patenga, Chattogram, enforcement teams recovered approximately 6,000 litres of diesel stored unlawfully in 30 drums.

The ministry said district administrations have been instructed to adopt a stricter stance to ensure smooth supply chains and prevent disruptions caused by hoarding. Oil depots, petrol stations and traders are currently under heightened surveillance as part of the nationwide monitoring effort.

Officials emphasised that these enforcement drives will continue on a regular basis in the public interest, as the government seeks to deter malpractice and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability across the country.

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