Mobile courts ordered nationwide to prevent artificial fuel crisis

The government has taken a strict stance to prevent the creation of an artificial fuel crisis and illegal stockpiling using the ongoing Middle East tensions as a pretext. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources has instructed authorities to conduct mobile courts across the country to ensure normal fuel supply and take action against dishonest traders.

An urgent directive in this regard was issued on Sunday, March 8, by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the ministry. All district commissioners have been requested to take necessary measures in their respective areas.

The notice said reports published in various media outlets indicate that some unscrupulous traders are illegally stockpiling fuel to create an artificial shortage. Although the government has already fixed the amount of fuel to be sold based on vehicle type, many petrol pumps and filling stations have been charging prices higher than the set rate. The sale of fuel in the open market and smuggling attempts have also been observed.

The ministry said some traders are trying to build fuel stockpiles or smuggle fuel in hopes of making excessive profits by taking advantage of instability in the Middle East. To address this, it has been decided to operate mobile courts and take immediate action against those involved.

The main objective is to reduce public suffering and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.

The directive, signed by senior assistant secretary Md Enamul Haque, has been sent to the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant offices. Monitoring will continue until the market situation returns to normal.