Fuel hoarding bust: Seven arrested with 3,000 litres of petrol in Jamalpur

Locals say a dishonest ring was attempting to exploit the fuel shortage by stockpiling petrol for resale

Police have arrested seven people in Jamalpur with 3,053 litres of petrol, stockpiled for illegal sale, after locals intervened to stop black-market activities.

The arrests took place in the small hours of Wednesday at Kendua Kalibari in Jamalpur Sadar, according to Jamalpur Sadar Police chief Mizanur Rahman.

The detainees are: Abdul Hakim, 40, Phul Mia, 38, Hafizur Rahman, 40, Shah Alam, 50, Maruf Hossain, 25, Jaglu Mia, 45, and Shabuj Mia, 40.

One is from Bogura, while the rest are residents of different Jamalpur Upazilas.

Locals say Jamalpur, like the rest of the country, is facing a fuel shortage.

Supply at petrol stations is limited in some areas, while some stations remain closed.

Even where small amounts are available, petrol, octane, and diesel are being sold at inflated prices in open and black markets, causing severe hardship for ordinary people.

Police, citing locals, said a dishonest ring was trying to exploit the shortage by storing petrol in drums at the Kendua Kalibari market for resale.

When residents noticed, they raided the site early in the morning, seizing 14 drums containing 3,052 litres of petrol and detaining the suspects.

Officer Mizanur said police were deployed to the scene, and necessary action will be coordinated with the Upazila administrator (UNO).