Trader Sentenced for Hoarding Fuel Illegally in Mathbaria

PNN News Desk, Pirojpur
In Mathbaria Upazila, Pirojpur, a trader was fined and sentenced for illegally hoarding fuel, creating an artificial shortage.

On Tuesday night, based on confidential information, authorities conducted an operation at a house on Hospital Road in the municipal town and recovered a large quantity of fuel. The operation was assisted by army personnel.

According to administration sources, Shamim Hasan Khan, owner of a local fuel supply company, secretly stored fuel in his house’s basement, creating a perceived shortage to gain extra profit. Upon receiving information, a joint team led by the Upazila administration carried out the operation from afternoon until night.

During the raid, authorities recovered 1,683 liters of diesel, 120 liters of petrol, 263 liters of kerosene, and 10 liters of octane. The total estimated market value of the seized fuel was over 200,000 Taka.

After the operation, the mobile court fined the accused 10,000 Taka and sentenced him to 14 days of imprisonment.

The Upazila Executive Officer stated that a dishonest group was attempting to create an artificial shortage to inconvenience the public and earn extra profit. Additionally, hoarding flammable materials in densely populated areas posed a risk of major accidents. He further emphasized that such operations will continue in the future to ensure normal supply and protect consumer interests.