Fuel theft foiled in Khulna

A mobile court led by the Khulna district administration conducted a drive on Friday noon to curb illegal stockpiling and smuggling of fuel, seizing oil before it could be diverted from the Padma Oil PLC depot in Daulatpur.

Acting on intelligence from the National Security Intelligence (NSI), Executive Magistrate Umme Salma Khanun oversaw the drive at the depot premises.

During the operation, a Magura-bound oil tanker was intercepted while fuel was allegedly being siphoned off for illegal sale. The driver, Md Imran Hossain, 36, along with four others, was detained. Authorities found evidence of 10 litres of fuel being illicitly sold from the tanker.

Following an on-the-spot trial, the driver confessed and was fined Tk 10,000 under Section 20(1) of the Petroleum Act, 2016.

In light of repeated incidents, the depot manager of Padma Oil PLC in Daulatpur has been warned, while officials have been instructed to strengthen surveillance in and around the facility.

The district administration said such drives will continue to prevent fuel theft and ensure accountability in the supply chain.