25,000 litres diesel seized from illegal mini depot in Ctg's Salimpur

Authorities have seized around 25,000 litres of diesel from an illegal mini depot in Salimpur area of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram, with the recovered fuel estimated to be worth around Tk25 lakh, amid concerns over fuel hoarding and black market activities.

The drive was conducted around 6pm this evening (30 March) by a joint team comprising the Chattogram district administration, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), and law enforcement agencies.

During the drive, officials also seized several iron drums used for transporting oil and other equipment linked to fuel supply operations.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said no arrests were made, but those involved would be identified and brought to justice.

"A case will be filed under the Special Powers Act, 1974. There is no fuel shortage in Chattogram, but some unscrupulous syndicates are trying to create an artificial crisis through illegal hoarding," he said.

The DC added that a total of 35,000 litres of illegally hoarded fuel has so far been seized in the district, while 98 cases have been filed over allegations of black marketing, illegal stockpiling, and price manipulation.

He further said that Chattogram currently has a monthly demand of around 11,000 tonnes of fuel, and 10 oil tankers have already arrived at the port this month, ensuring adequate supply.

According to locals, a syndicate had been stockpiling fuel for some time by digging pits and storing oil in drums at the site, taking advantage of increased demand driven by fears of supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Fuel demand at petrol pumps in Chattogram has nearly doubled in recent weeks, with long queues of vehicles observed across the city.