United News of Bangladesh

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division on Sunday requested the Cabinet Secretary to instruct deputy commissioners (DCs) across the country to conduct mobile courts to prevent illegal hoarding of fuel and sales at prices higher than the government-set rates. In a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, the division said media reports indicate that some unscrupulous traders are stockpiling fuel illegally in an attempt to create an artificial shortage in the market amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Fuel reserves rise with arrival of two ships, rationing to continue: Minister To address the situation, the government has already fixed the amount of fuel that can be supplied based on the type of vehicle. Despite this measure, there have been reports of petrol pumps and filling stations selling fuel at prices higher than the government-approved rates, hoarding excess quantities for higher profits, selling fuel in the open market and engaging in smuggling. In this situation, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division requested the Cabinet Secretary to issue necessary instructions to deputy commissioners to conduct mobile courts to stop illegal hoarding of fuel, prevent sales above the fixed price, halt open market sales and curb smuggling.