Sylhet petrol pumps owners go on strike protesting mobile court fines

The owners of petrol pumps and CNG refuelling stations across the Sylhet division have called a strike in protest against fines imposed during mobile court drives.

The strike began at 12am on Thursday (2 April), said Zubayer Ahmed Chowdhury, divisional president of Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association.

Earlier in the day, a mobile court drive conducted by the district administration fined a petrol pump in Sylhet city for allegedly storing excess petrol beyond the government-approved limit.

Zubayer Ahmed alleged that the drives are being used as a means of harassment and extortion.

"Such operations are being carried out regularly. At a time when we are already struggling with inadequate fuel supply, these pressures are making it impossible to run our businesses," he said.

Leaders of the petrol pump owners' association also expressed frustration over various administrative restrictions on fuel sales.

They claimed that measures such as appointing tag officers, deploying Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel at depots, and other government directives are creating obstacles in operating their businesses.

They also accused some administrative officials of non-cooperation.

Earlier yesterday afternoon, a petrol pump named A&A Associates in Sylhet city was fined Tk10,000 for storing more petrol than permitted.

The fine was imposed during a joint operation by the district administration and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Further developments are awaited as the strike continues to disrupt fuel supply across the division.