Authorities have sealed six illegal oil-selling outlets and fined two businesses Tk 60,000 in Maheshkhali of Cox’s Bazar amid concerns over unauthorised fuel sales and stockpiling.
The action was carried out on Wednesday in the Tajiakata and Ghatibhanga areas of Kutubjom Union by a team led by Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rubayet Ahmed.
According to the administration, five floating oil-selling outlets operating without licences and one shop had allegedly been selling fuel illegally for a long time.
One business, Messrs Osam Traders, was fined Tk 50,000 for selling fuel without a licence, illegal stockpiling and charging excessive prices under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009 and Petroleum Act, 2016.
Another Tk 10,000 fine was imposed on the owner of Russell & Company after he appeared during the operation. The remaining outlets were found closed, and their owners or employees had reportedly gone into hiding after learning about the raid. The outlets were subsequently sealed.
Local residents welcomed the drive and urged the administration to take action against other influential businesses allegedly involved in illegal fuel sales and stockpiling.
Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imran Mahmud Dalim said no illegal activities would be allowed on the island and that such drives would continue.
