Illegal fuel sales are taking place along the highway in Chilmari!

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Kurigram Correspondent:  Illegal fuel oil sales and mini pumps have been set up next to the pump in Chilmari, Kurigram. On the one hand, the illegal sale of oil using electronic motors and dispenser machines like filling stations without paying attention to the rules has increased the risk, on the other hand, people are being cheated due to the lack of proper meters. Even though the illegal oil business and mini pump set up next to the filling station without the permission of the authorities have been closed, the sale of petrol, octane and diesel is going on, showing the thumbs up to the law. As a result, various questions have been raised about the role of the administration in the illegal sale of oil.

It is learned that Messrs. Sagar Filling Station and LPG Gas Station are located at the Matikatar intersection of the upazila, next to the Kurigram-Chilmari highway. Although the filling station has been supplying oil for a long time, a fuel oil selling company and mini pump named Messrs. Sohel and Brothers have been established within about 100 meters of it. In view of the allegations of illegal oil sales for a long time, on November 20, 2023, the officials in charge of Jamuna, Padma and Meghna Petroleum Limited recommended taking legal action against Messrs. Sohel and Brothers, who were illegally selling fuel oil, after investigating. Later, on January 25, 24, Deputy Assistant Director of Kurigram Fire Service and Civil Defense Kamrul Hasan conducted an on-site investigation and submitted an investigation report to the Deputy Commissioner, stating that 'supplying fuel oil locally with the help of electric motors and nozzles in open places without valid documents is risky for public safety'. After receiving the report, on March 31 of that year, the Deputy Commissioner, signed an order on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner, signed by the Assistant Commissioner of the Trade and Investment Branch, to Messrs. Sohel & Brothers to stop storing and selling fuel oil. However, despite these restrictions, the mini pump next to the filling station, in addition to an electric motor and dispenser machine, sold oil in cans, jugs and drums, and the role of the administration was questioned as it did not take necessary measures.

Samiul Alam Sohel, owner of Messrs. Sohel & Brothers, said that the oil sale has been approved (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner's office. The businessman claims that the oil is being sold legally. 

Alhaj Mahfuzar Rahman, owner of M/s Sagar Filling Station, said, "My pump has been operating since 2007. Suddenly, for several years, Sohel & Brothers has been freely storing and selling fuel oil with machines, cans and containers near the pump, without following the rules. Which is completely illegal."  

Jamuna Oil Company Limited Assistant General Manager Jasim Uddin said, "Selling and storing oil on the side of the highway is completely illegal. Earlier, when the District Commissioner recommended to Messrs. Sohel & Brothers to refrain from selling oil, it was stopped, but again he has been selling oil without following the rules. Last week, three companies - Padma, Meghna and Jamuna - jointly wrote to the District Commissioner to stop the illegal sale of oil.

When contacted, Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Nusrat Sultana could not be reached for comment. However, Chilmari Upazila Executive Officer Sabuj Kumar Basak said that necessary action will be taken after an on-site investigation into the matter.

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