Netrokona Mobile Court Seizes Diesel Stockpile

A mobile court in Netrokona Sadar upazila has seized approximately 3,500 litres of illegally stored diesel during an enforcement drive at Hatikhola Bazar, while also imposing a fine on a local trader for operating without a licence and selling fuel at inflated prices.

The operation was conducted on Saturday (28 March) evening under the supervision of the district administration as part of an ongoing crackdown on irregularities in fuel storage and distribution. Officials said the drive was prompted by concerns over alleged artificial shortages and the misuse of supply disruptions in the local market.

During the inspection, enforcement officers discovered a significant quantity of diesel stored in drums inside a warehouse belonging to M/s Chowdhury Enterprise at Hatikhola Bazar. Preliminary findings indicated that the fuel had been stockpiled without proper authorisation and in violation of petroleum regulations.

Authorities further alleged that the business had been involved in the unauthorised sale of diesel at higher-than-permitted retail prices, taking advantage of recent market pressures and supply concerns.

Following verification, the mobile court confiscated the entire stock of fuel and imposed a financial penalty on the proprietor, Zahirul Haque Bakul, under the Petroleum Act for operating without the necessary licence and engaging in unlawful trade practices.

Enforcement action summary

Officials involved in the operation stated that the seized fuel was being kept in drums within the premises without regulatory approval. They added that such practices contribute to artificial scarcity in the local market, potentially disrupting fair distribution channels and affecting consumers reliant on regulated fuel supply systems.

District authorities have indicated that the operation forms part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at curbing black-market activity and ensuring compliance with fuel storage and pricing regulations. They stressed that similar drives will continue across the district to prevent illegal stockpiling and price manipulation.

Netrokona Deputy Commissioner Khondaker Mushfiqur Rahman reaffirmed the administration’s strict stance against malpractice in essential commodity markets. He stated that no individual or business would be permitted to exploit supply fluctuations to generate unlawful profit or create artificial shortages.

He further emphasised that regular mobile court operations are being conducted across different parts of the district to monitor trading activities and enforce compliance with existing laws. According to him, such initiatives will remain ongoing in order to safeguard market stability and protect consumers from exploitation.

Authorities have also urged traders dealing in petroleum products and other essential commodities to ensure proper licensing, maintain transparent records, and adhere strictly to government-regulated pricing structures. Failure to comply, officials warned, will result in strict legal consequences, including fines, confiscation of goods, and potential closure of business operations.