How much longer will government oil be stolen

Oil theft from government supplies in Bangladesh is a well-known fact. Despite such incidents occurring year after year, the government shows little concern. Oil thefts are uncovered regularly, and investigation committees are often formed, yet the theft never stops. Once, oil was stolen from depots and tankers; now, it is even being stolen from ships.

According to reports published in the media today (Monday, 20 October), oil is supplied from depots in four stages, most of it by river, through small vessels. Nearly every ship has a hidden compartment capable of holding 800 to 1,000 litres more than its official capacity. The same happens with oil transported by train wagons. Each tanker lorry carries 150 to 200 litres of extra oil, and even while filling drums, an additional 15 to 20 litres are given secretly.

The report states that oil stolen from ships on the Karnaphuli River is being smuggled into wholesale and retail markets in Patiya, Shantirhat, Moijjartek, Chaktai, and Khatunganj. The theft begins on the Karnaphuli after dusk. Officials say the two main hotspots for oil theft are the depots of the three oil companies in Patenga, Chattogram, and those in Fatullah and Godnail, Narayanganj. Ensuring strict surveillance at these two points alone could significantly reduce theft. The question remains: how does the stealing continue year after year, even after incidents are exposed and investigations carried out? It is reported that the theft persists because the entire network is never fully identified. Moreover, cases from five years ago are still pending trial.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) imports and produces fuel oil, while its three subsidiaries—Padma, Meghna and Jamuna—distribute it on the market. The employees of these three companies are deeply involved in manipulation at various stages, from measurement to temperature adjustments. They even understand the scientific principle that temperature variations affect oil volume and exploit it for theft. In addition, adulteration occurs at depots to increase volume artificially. The network behind these crimes is so large that any attempt to investigate one part leads straight to the top. Consequently, even when theft is exposed and investigations are launched, the BPC fails to resolve the issue.

To curb corruption at the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna depots and prevent oil theft on the Karnaphuli River through syndicates, the BPC issued letters to the three companies on 28 August with a set of directives. These included recommendations to replace traditional oil measurement methods with modern ones. On 29 September, the BPC sent another letter urging quick implementation of some measures, such as supplying oil based on updated tanker capacity reports, setting up modern laboratories to prevent adulteration, and regularly monitoring data on oil deliveries from depots to filling stations to prevent illegal procurement and sales. It also instructed that all depots, including major installations in Chattogram, be brought under an automated system to stop irregularities, adulteration and theft.

There are 47 depots across the country operated by the three companies. Reports suggest that oil worth several thousand crore taka is stolen annually. One recommendation is to review the past 15 years of asset records of depot officials and employees and take necessary action. Bringing the entire oil supply chain under automated technology could enhance monitoring and control theft. While a corrupt syndicate profits from this theft, it is the government—and ultimately the public—that bears the loss, as the stolen oil leads to higher fuel prices. Therefore, stopping oil theft immediately has become essential. With genuine political will, it can certainly be done. The first step must be to dismantle the main syndicate behind the theft. Arresting only truck drivers or ship labourers will not solve the problem. Only through firm legal measures, swift action, and sustained government vigilance can oil theft be prevented. In this regard, law enforcement agencies must maintain constant watchfulness without any hesitation or condition.