Members of a joint force have seized over 12,000 litres of illegally hoarded diesel from an oil depot in Dwigraj area of Mongla upazila in Khulna.
The drive was conducted around 1am on Sunday by a team comprising Coast Guard, Navy, Police and local administration officials, Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon said.
A total of 12,613 litres of diesel was found stored without proper documentation in three tanks at a depot operated by Jamuna Petroleum Limited in the Mongla Oil Installation area, officials said.
The market value of the seized fuel is Tk12.10 lakh.
Authorities are investigating the reasons behind storing the fuel without valid papers and have sought explanations from the depot authorities.
Allegations have recently surfaced that some traders from government and private depots have been hoarding petrol, octane and diesel to make illegal profits amid a supply crisis in different parts of the country.
The seized diesel has been kept in custody and further legal action will be taken under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat.
The Coast Guard said such drives will continue to ensure stability in fuel supply in Mongla port areas and across the country.
