Special Correspondent:

Engines of various modes vehicles are getting disordered as adulterated fuel oils have flooded the markets despite several drives of the concerned authorities.

There are allegations that, fuel oils are being adulterated by an influential syndicate at different pumps and unauthorized shops with the aim to earn additional money deceiving the eyes of users and administrations.

Capitalizing the ripple effects of the Middle East unrest in the global energy markets, a powerful syndicate is trying to instable the Bangladesh’s energy sector, sources said.

Despite adequate supply of fuel oils at different depots including Baghabarighat in Shahzadpur of Sirajganj district, the syndicate members are creating chaos in the fuel markets on the top of noses of the authorities concerned.

Though, the minister for power, energy, and mineral resources Ikbal Hasan Mahmud frequently said that, all the deputy commissioners (DCs) and Police Supers (SPs) have asked for strict monitoring the fuel markets to prevent anarchy in the name of crisis. But, the directive is almost being flouted in many cases.

Although, the relevant administrations conduct occasional raids in some places, there is no significant success in preventing fuel adulteration, smuggling and charging excessive prices from the users.

There is an allegation that, fuel oils specially petrol, diesel and octane are being contaminated at different pumps and by illegal hoarders across the country.

Sources said that, condensate and even crude oil in some cases are being mixed with the petrol, octane and diesel to contaminate them before supplying to the users. Once, syndicate members with the help of depots’ managers were involved with such illegal activities, now after deployment of BGB at the depots, the possibility for adulteration of fuel oils at depots has been reduced. But, the culture has still exercised at different pumps and unauthorized shops in the rural areas. Approximately 10 to 12 litres of condensate is used in 100 litres of petrol or diesel or octane to earn extra profit.

Pump owners contaminate fuel oils secretly and sell to vehicle drivers and owners.

As a result, vehicles including buses, trucks and cars are getting disordered within few days of servicing.

In Northern Region:

Huge number of illegal fuel shops has been established on the both sides of Bogura-Nagorbari highway near Baghabari depot in Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj district. Besides, fuel oils are being sold at different shops in hats and bazaars. These illegal oil traders are directly and indirectly involved with contamination.

Engines of most vehicles are being damaged, while fuel tanks of most vehicles especially motorcycles are getting rusty due to frequently use of adulterated fuels.

Vehicle users are being forced to go to motor-mechanics every few days, users complained.

On the other hand, artificial fuel crisis has escalated across the country including 16 districts of the northern region.

Pump owners often decline to sell fuel oils from the pump on the plea of short supply. But, they sell the same fuel oils at retail markets with high rates to make money overnight, reliable sources said.

During a spot visit to different fuel pumps in Sirajganj, this correspondent found long queues of vehicles especially bikes waiting for oils. Many fuel seekers were noticed to go back with empty tanks as pump authorities deny to provide fuel on excuse of stoke exhausting. But, the surprising matter is that, diesel and petrol are being sold randomly almost all retail markets after pouring bottles from drums with high prices.

Despite the government rates, per litre of diesel is being sold at Tk 150, while per litre of petrol is being sold at Tk 200 at retail markets with bottles or from drums.

Several attempts to contact Abul Fazal Md Sadekin, Deputy Manager of Jamuna Depot and in-charge of other depots in Baghabarighat have gone vain as he did not receive the phone calls.