Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has fined M/S Sobhan Filling and Servicing Station Tk5 lakh after detecting evidence of fuel measurement fraud.
A mobile court of BSTI conducted a drive on Tuesday at the filling station, located at 220/A-2 Begum Rokeya Sarani in West Kafrul of Dhaka, where it was found supplying nearly half a litre less fuel per 10 litres.
During the drive, short measures of 450 millilitres, 440 millilitres, and 220 millilitres per 10 litres were detected across three nozzles of two octane dispensing units respectively.
Shortages of 250 millilitres and 530 millilitres per 10 litres were also found in two nozzles of one diesel dispensing unit.
According to a BSTI press release, the station was providing nearly 500 millilitres or 5 per cent less fuel per 10 litres.
The fine of Tk5 lakh was imposed on the station authorities under the Standards of Weights and Measures Act and was collected immediately on the spot. The three dispensing units where irregularities were found have also been shut down.
The mobile court was led by Lutfunnessa Khanam, executive magistrate of BSTI. Md Abdul Kader, field officer (CM) of BSTI, and Ahsan Habib Khan, examiner (metrology) of BSTI, acted as prosecutors during the operation, whilst Dhaka Metropolitan Police assisted in the drive.
BSTI said its operations against fuel measurement manipulation and anti-consumer activities will continue, urging consumers to notify the institution if similar irregularities are spotted anywhere.
