The government of Bangladesh carried out a nationwide operation involving 386 mobile courts in the past 24 hours to crack down on illegal fuel hoarding and ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.
According to a press release issued on Monday by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the mobile court drives led to the filing of 214 cases, with fines totalling Tk9,62,500 imposed on violators. In addition, three individuals in Nilphamari District were sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for offenses related to fuel irregularities.
The ministry emphasised that such enforcement measures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain a stable fuel supply system across the country.
Executive magistrates are regularly overseeing mobile courts in key urban centres, including in Dhaka, as well as in other districts, to prevent stockpiling and price manipulation by unscrupulous traders.
Officials noted that these operations are critical in ensuring fair distribution of petroleum products and in protecting consumers from artificial shortages caused by hoarding.
The public has been urged to cooperate with authorities and report any suspicious activity related to fuel storage or distribution. Citizens can contact designated vigilance teams if they notice irregularities at petrol stations, depots, or during transportation.
“The government remains committed to keeping fuel accessible and affordable, and we will continue these mobile court operations until hoarding and illegal stockpiling are fully curtailed,” the ministry stated.
