Energy division seeks army deployment at key fuel depots, increased police patrols at filling stations
In separate notifications issued today (8 March), the division requested the authorities concerned to take urgent steps to ensure security at key fuel facilities and retail outlets.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has sought the deployment of the army at major fuel depots and called for the strengthening of police patrols at filling stations amid an emerging situation in fuel marketing across the country.
In separate notifications issued today (8 March), the division requested the authorities concerned to take urgent steps to ensure security at key fuel facilities and retail outlets.
According to one of the notifications, some fuel dealers have recently been unable to receive fuel due to sudden increased demand from various depots. As a result, there is a risk of unwanted situations at several major depots operated by fuel marketing companies.
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The facilities include the main installation at Patenga in Chattogram city, as well as depots in Daulatpur in Khulna, Baghabari in Sirajganj, Godnail and Fatullah in Narayanganj, Parbatipur in Dinajpur, and Barishal.
Since these depots are classified as key point installations (KPIs), ensuring their security on an urgent basis is necessary, the notification said.
In this context, the energy division requested the deployment of the army to ensure overall security at the facilities.
In another notification, the energy division requested the strengthening of police patrols at filling stations across the country to maintain security.
The notice said negative reports circulating in some media outlets and on social media about fuel stock levels have prompted consumers to purchase larger-than-usual quantities of fuel.
"As a result, dealers are attempting to collect higher volumes of fuel from depots than usual. There are also reports that some consumers are trying to stockpile fuel beyond their immediate needs through filling stations," it added.
The notification further stated that the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has already issued a press release limiting fuel supply to consumers from filling stations.
Authorities also noted that various unpleasant incidents have occurred between buyers and filling station staff during the ongoing situation.
In this context, the division requested the Ministry of Home Affairs to take necessary measures to strengthen police patrols at filling stations nationwide to ensure security.
