BGB on high alert along Satkhira border to curb fuel smuggling amid Mideast conflict

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has taken precautionary measures along the Satkhira border to prevent fuel smuggling amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which experts say could cause a global energy crisis.

Patrols have been increased in the India-Bangladesh border areas to stop any attempt to illegally transport fuel across the frontier, BGB officials said.

Trucks carrying goods from Bangladesh to India are being searched, while those entering Bangladesh from India are also under strict monitoring.

Lt Col Kazi Ashikur Rahman, commanding officer of the BGB 33 Battalion in Satkhira, said authorities are maintaining strict vigilance across the battalion's 54-kilometre stretch of the border.

"We are on high alert to ensure that no fuel is smuggled out through our border areas," he said.

He added that fuel filling stations within the battalion's jurisdiction are also being monitored to ensure they are selling fuel in compliance with government directives.

"Even a small amount of fuel will not be allowed to be smuggled out of the country," he added.

The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on 28 February, has escalated across the Middle East. Iran has reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of disruption in global oil supply.

However, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division said there is no reason for panic, adding that fuel stocks in the country have not been exhausted, though demand has risen as people are buying more out of concern.