Illegal Diesel Stockpile Seized in Godagari Raid

A mobile court has imposed a fine on a fuel trader in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi after discovering an illegal stockpile of approximately 3,000 litres of diesel stored without valid documentation. The enforcement action formed part of an ongoing drive to stabilise the fuel market and prevent hoarding and artificial price manipulation in the region.

The operation was conducted on Tuesday (31 March) afternoon at Sultanpur Ghat in the Godagari municipal area, where authorities carried out routine market monitoring. Officials said the initiative is aimed at ensuring fair distribution of fuel and curbing unlawful storage practices that could disrupt supply chains and inflate consumer prices.

During the raid, a mobile court led by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate inspected the premises of a trading establishment named Messrs Dui Bhai Traders. Inspectors reportedly found a significant quantity of diesel stored on-site. However, the proprietor, identified as 60-year-old Mohammad Abdullah, was unable to produce any valid purchase records, licensing documents, or proof of the fuel’s legal origin.

Following verification, the mobile court concluded that the trader had violated provisions of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009. As a result, the court imposed a monetary penalty of BDT 25,000 under Section 45 of the Act for unlawful stockpiling and failure to provide lawful documentation.

Details of the Enforcement Action

Speaking on the operation, UNO Nazmus Sadat Ratna stated that the government is maintaining a strict stance to ensure stability in the national fuel supply chain. He noted that some unscrupulous traders attempt to create artificial shortages by hoarding fuel illegally, which can lead to unjustified price increases and public inconvenience.

He further emphasised that regular monitoring and enforcement drives are being carried out across the upazila as part of a broader strategy to maintain market discipline. According to him, such actions are essential to safeguard consumers and ensure that essential commodities remain available at fair prices.

Officials added that the government has intensified surveillance in border-adjacent regions, including various upazilas of Rajshahi district, to prevent fuel smuggling and illegal cross-border trafficking. These measures are part of wider efforts to maintain uninterrupted domestic supply and discourage illicit trade networks that may exploit geographical proximity to international borders.

Authorities also warned that future violations involving illegal fuel storage, unauthorised distribution, or price manipulation would be met with stricter penalties, including heavier fines and potential legal proceedings under relevant consumer protection and administrative laws.

The operation at Godagari reflects a continuing nationwide effort by field administration teams to regulate essential commodity markets, particularly energy resources, which remain vulnerable to both supply disruptions and opportunistic hoarding practices.