Diesel Hoarded at Son-in-Law’s Home

Authorities in Manikganj’s Harirampur Upazila uncovered an illegal stockpile of diesel at the residence of a local man, highlighting concerns over fuel hoarding amid ongoing supply shortages. The operation, carried out on Tuesday afternoon in Razar Kolta village, resulted in a fine of 5,000 Bangladeshi Taka for the individual involved.

The raid was conducted by the Department of National Consumer Rights Protection, with the district office’s Acting Assistant Director, Md. Asaduzzaman Rumel, leading the team. The individual penalised, Noyon Hossain, aged 28, resides in Razar Kolta, Gola Union.

According to the district office and local sources, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted fuel supplies, leaving many CNG stations and fuel pumps in Manikganj with limited diesel availability. Some stations have reportedly suspended sales entirely for extended periods. In this environment, a number of dealers and traders have been accused of hoarding fuel, particularly diesel, and selling it at inflated prices.

Acting on a complaint, the district office launched an operation at Noyon Hossain’s home around 1:00 pm. During the inspection, 80 litres of diesel were found stored unlawfully across 20 drums. Following the discovery, Hossain was fined 5,000 Taka by Md. Asaduzzaman Rumel for illegal stockpiling.

Hossain admitted that his father-in-law, Rafiqul Islam, a diesel dealer from Bhadiakhola, Balla Union, had supplied him with the fuel. He then stored it at his own residence and engaged in resale.

Md. Asaduzzaman emphasised that the diesel had been hoarded at the son-in-law’s residence with the intent of selling it at higher prices. “Such operations will continue to prevent the unlawful storage and overpricing of fuel,” he said.

Summary of the Raid

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges posed by fuel shortages and the illicit practices of some dealers attempting to profit from them. Local authorities have warned that strict monitoring and frequent raids will continue to ensure fair distribution and pricing, aiming to protect consumers from exploitation.

With the persistent Middle East tensions affecting imports, Manikganj officials are urging both dealers and consumers to report irregularities promptly. The department has stated that combating fuel hoarding is a priority to maintain market stability and prevent artificial inflation of prices.