A total of 5,42,236 litres of illegally stored fuel oil have been recovered across Bangladesh through a nationwide enforcement drive conducted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.
A press release issued by the Department of Fuel and Mineral Resources confirmed the matter on Wednesday.
According to the press release, special operations were carried out in different parts of the country to prevent irregularities related to the illegal storage, transportation, and distribution of petroleum products.
During the drives conducted from 1 March to 14 April, authorities recovered 3,66,001 litres of diesel, along with 39,776 litres of octane and 87,959 litres of petrol. In addition, around 48,500 litres of furnace oil were seized from separate operations in Chattogram.
Officials said that in total, 9,116 separate enforcement drives were carried out during the period as part of efforts to ensure discipline and transparency in the country’s fuel supply chain.
The operations also led to the filing of 3,510 cases against individuals and establishments involved in illegal fuel-related activities. Mobile courts imposed fines totalling Tk15.696 crore, while 45 individuals were sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division said the ongoing enforcement activities are aimed at curbing illegal fuel hoarding and ensuring stable supply management amid global market volatility.
Authorities added that such drives will continue in the coming months to maintain order in the energy sector and prevent further misuse of petroleum products across the country.
