A joint team of enforcement agencies recovered more than 12,000 litres of diesel that had been stored illegally at an oil depot in Mongla Upazila of Bagerhat early Sunday.
The operation was carried out at around 1am in Dwigraj area by a coordinated team comprising members of the Coast Guard, Navy, Police, and local administration, according to Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon.
During the drive, authorities found a total of 12,613 litres of diesel kept in three storage tanks at a depot operated by Jamuna Petroleum Limited within the Mongla Oil Installation zone.
Officials said the fuel was being stored without proper documentation, raising suspicions of illegal hoarding.
The estimated market value of the seized diesel is around Tk12.10 lakh.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the reason behind the undocumented storage and have asked the depot authorities to provide explanations.
The incident comes amid growing allegations that certain traders, both from public and private depots, are stockpiling fuel such as petrol, octane and diesel to gain unfair profits during supply disruptions in different parts of the country.
Officials said the recovered diesel has been secured, and further legal steps will be taken under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat.
The Coast Guard also stated that such operations will continue in Mongla and other key areas to prevent illegal activities and maintain a stable fuel supply nationwide.
