The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has asked the chief explosives inspector to take action against illegal filling stations across the country aimed at curbing irregularities.
It has recently written to the authority concerned to take necessary steps in this regard.
DNCRP has launched the drive against illegal filling stations since the first week of the current month, according to the agency.
A consumer rights department has found that a good number of filling stations are selling fuels throughout the country without licence and required documents and with expired licences.
A monitoring team from DNCRP has also found that the filling stations are selling different flammable substances, including petrol, diesel, octane and gas, although they have not renewed their licences. Even they are operating filling stations without licence or documents, an official said.
When contacted, director general (additional secretary) of DNCRP A.H.M. Shafiquzzaman said, "We have already launched the drive against illegal filling stations." He also said, "We are conducting the drive across the country on the basis of allegations made by customers concerned."
As per the allegations, he said, a good number of filling stations are selling petrol, diesel and octane by giving short measure. Besides, they are selling adulterated fuels, he added.
The filling station owners are getting Tk 2.83 as commission on sale of per litre diesel while Tk 4.92 for per litre octane and Tk 4.78 for per litre petrol, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation.
The authorities concerned already fined some filling stations by conducting mobile courts across the country. The drive continues now, a source said.
There are over 4,790 filling stations in the country, according to Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners' Association.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
