Nationwide Operation Recovers 208,000 Litres of Fuel

A nationwide crackdown on the illegal stockpiling of fuel has resulted in the recovery of over 208,000 litres of petroleum products, as authorities step up efforts to stabilise the energy market and prevent disruption to supply chains.

Between 3 and 29 March, a total of 3,168 operations were conducted across all 64 districts as part of a coordinated enforcement drive targeting unlawful fuel hoarding. According to officials, the campaign has led to the recovery of 208,650 litres of illegally stored fuel, alongside more than a thousand legal cases.

The update was presented at a press briefing held on Monday by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. The briefing was delivered by Monir Hossain Chowdhury, Joint Secretary and spokesperson of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

Fuel Recovery and Enforcement Outcomes

Authorities confirmed that diesel accounted for the largest share of recovered fuel, followed by petrol and octane. The crackdown has also resulted in financial penalties and custodial sentences in several cases, reflecting what officials described as a firm stance against market manipulation.

Supply Situation and Import Strategy

Despite global volatility in energy markets, officials stressed that the country’s fuel supply remains stable. At the end of March, diesel stocks were reported at approximately 133,000 tonnes in surplus, supported by regular shipments and diversified import arrangements.

Additional shipments are expected in the coming weeks, including two cargoes carrying 54,600 tonnes of diesel scheduled to arrive on 30 March and 3 April. Furthermore, imports from India via pipeline are contributing an additional 7,000 tonnes, while further supplies are anticipated from China, Indonesia and Singapore.

The government is also expanding its procurement strategy to enhance energy security, with discussions ongoing with suppliers from the Middle East, Africa and beyond. Countries under consideration include Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Angola, Australia and the United States for both crude and refined petroleum imports.

Officials also confirmed continued dialogue with Iran regarding the safe passage of Bangladeshi fuel tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.

Pricing and Market Pressures

The Energy Division noted that fuel prices are reviewed monthly in line with international market trends. A proposal for price adjustment next month has already been submitted and is currently under review, with considerations including subsidy implications and global price movements.

Officials acknowledged that several countries in the region have already increased fuel prices by as much as 25 per cent in response to global instability.

Governance and Enforcement Measures

To strengthen oversight, district administrations and law enforcement agencies have been brought into coordinated monitoring efforts. Tag officers have been appointed to supervise fuel stations, and dedicated vigilance teams have been deployed nationwide.

Authorities also held a meeting with all district police superintendents to reinforce enforcement measures. Officials emphasised that panic buying and illegal stockpiling had contributed to temporary pressure in certain areas, although overall supply remained uninterrupted, with up to 40 per cent higher distribution recorded during peak demand periods such as the Eid season.

The government has urged consumers to use fuel judiciously as part of broader efforts to ensure market stability.