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By Ashraful Islam Joy
The proliferation of unauthorized “mini petrol pumps” across Sirajganj district has sparked concerns over public safety, environmental risks and government revenue losses, despite long-standing restrictions on new filling station approvals by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).
According to an investigation, at least 15 illegal fuel outlets are operating in five upazilas of the district. Many of these outlets are reportedly selling diesel, petrol and octane openly by installing fuel dispensers behind shops, vehicle servicing centres and garages without BPC approval.
The highest number of unauthorized outlets was found in Raiganj upazila, where five are allegedly operating. Sirajganj Sadar and Shahjadpur each have four, while Ullapara and Kazipur have one each.
Among the establishments accused of operating without approval are Talukdar Filling Station, Sahela Enterprise, Sohel Traders, Babu Servicing Centre and Alam Servicing Centre in Raiganj; Motaleb & Brothers, Ma Traders, Alamin Traders and another fuel outlet in the Shialkol area of Sirajganj Sadar; fuel outlets near Mim Oishi Bus Counter, Sattar Molla, Alam Molla and Faisal Al Faruk in Shahjadpur; Bhai Bhai Traders in Ullapara; and Meghai Oil Pump in Kazipur.
Local residents alleged that some dishonest officials and influential individuals have allowed the businesses to operate for years without interference.
Many of the outlets reportedly lack basic fire-fighting equipment and fail to comply with safety standards for fuel storage and handling, increasing the risk of major fires or explosions.
Residents also alleged that some of the fuel sold at these outlets is collected illegally from vehicles before being adulterated and resold. Such practices not only damage vehicle engines but also deprive the government of significant tax revenue.
Authorities had earlier conducted a mobile court drive on April 28, 2024, fining several unlicensed fuel sellers. However, locals claimed that many of the businesses resumed operations shortly afterward, raising questions about the effectiveness of enforcement.
Md Abdul Jalil, general secretary of the Petrol Pump Owners Association’s Rajshahi Division, said unauthorized fuel stations pose a serious threat to public safety as they often operate without proper fire protection or compliance with safety regulations.
He also said the illegal operations are causing substantial revenue losses for the government and called for immediate legal action to shut them down.
Md Jahurul Islam, deputy administrative officer at the Raiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office, confirmed that Talukdar Filling Station, Sahela Enterprise and Sohel Traders do not have BPC approval.
“The matter is under the administration’s attention, and necessary action will be taken,” he said.
Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md Aminul Islam said officials have been instructed to take legal action against illegally operated filling stations.
“After verification, drives will be conducted against the establishments found operating without approval,” he said.
Energy sector experts say the growing number of unauthorized mini petrol pumps represents not only a violation of regulations but also a serious threat to public safety and the national economy. They urged authorities to launch immediate enforcement drives, shut down illegal outlets and bring those responsible to justice.
