'No fuel' sign on pump, drive finds 9,000 litres hoarded

A mobile court has uncovered a large stockpile of fuel at a closed petrol pump in Gomastapur upazila, Chapainawabganj, during an operation on Friday afternoon.

The raid was conducted at Messrs Brothers and Sisters Filling Station in the Bardadpur area of Parbatipur union.

A total of 9,783 litres of fuel, including petrol, diesel and octane, were found at the pump. Although the pump had hung a banner reading 'no fuel' and had stopped sales, a significant quantity of fuel was found stockpiled inside.

The mobile court said the hoarding was uncovered based on secret information. Verification later confirmed that fuel was being deliberately withheld despite being available.

The pump authorities were fined Tk 20,000 in connection with the incident. The operation was led by Gomastapur Upazila Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate Zakir Munshi.

The administration is also investigating whether such activities are part of an attempt to create an artificial crisis in the market.