Fuel heist: Sitakunda, a highway hub of pilfered oil
The 25-kilometer stretch of Dhaka-Chattogram Highway via Kumira, Faujdarhat, and Sitakunda has become a hotspot for stolen oil trading. An estimated 40 illegal shops operate openly along this route, buying fuel at discounted rates from dishonest drivers and helpers before reselling it at inflated prices. This thriving black market not only harms government and private institutions but also poses severe security risks, with recent incidents highlighting its dangers.
The black market boom
Local sources report that the illicit trade of stolen oil is rampant in the southern part of Sitakunda upazila. These shops operate from dawn to dusk, drawing vehicles—mostly goods trucks returning from the Chattogram port—that sell anywhere from 10 to 20 litres of fuel per stop. Truck drivers and their assistants pilfer oil intended for specific destinations, selling it to unscrupulous traders who profit handsomely by re-selling it at market rates.
One anonymous smuggled oil trader admitted, "If a litre of oil costs Tk 100 in the market, we buy it for Tk 50-60." This lucrative margin ensures both buyers and sellers benefit, creating a symbiotic relationship driven by greed. However, this illicit activity comes at a cost, endangering lives and undermining legitimate businesses.
Collusion and corruption
The prevalence of these illegal shops highlights systemic collusion between local authorities and businessmen. Traders claim they pay monthly bribes ranging from Tk 3,000 to Tk 10,000 to police officials to avoid raids or interference. According to one trader, "The police don't make trouble; no raids have ever been conducted here."
Despite public awareness of this issue, enforcement remains lax. Allegations persist that some shop owners "manage" relationships with local administrations through under-the-table payments, ensuring their operations continue unhindered.
Recent fire incident sparks concern
On January 26, a devastating fire erupted when a smuggled oil trader attempted to siphon fuel from an oil tanker in Banglabazar, Fauzdarhat. Fifteen nearby shops were destroyed, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 3 crore. The perpetrator, Md Shakil, fled the scene after the incident.
Kumira Fire Service in-charge Md Abdullah Al Mamun said, “It took us nine hours to extinguish the blaze, but the oil trader responsible disappeared without a trace." The incident underscored the dangers posed by these illegal operations, yet little action has followed.
Impact on legitimate businesses
Managers of legal filling stations along the highway expressed frustration over the unchecked proliferation of illegal shops. Md Rubel, manager of Ma Fatema CNG Filling Station, revealed that many drivers and assistants steal oil directly from depot-supplied lorries, selling it to these unauthorised outlets. He added, "Even dump truck, excavator, and bulldozer drivers are involved in stealing oil."
Another unnamed Sitakunda filling station owner confirmed widespread involvement, saying that he had dismissed 11 employees over the past four years for engaging in oil theft. Each driver typically steals 50-100 litres per trip, while residual oil left in lorry tanks is also sold cheaply to illegal vendors.
Lack of enforcement
Despite growing concerns, there is no clear data on the number of illegal oil shops operating along the highway. When questioned, Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mojibur Rahman admitted ignorance about the exact count, promising action "in a day or two."
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) KM Rafiqul Islam suggested that the Sub-Assistant Engineer's Office (SAEO) holds records of all roadside establishments. If deemed illegal, eviction drives could commence with SAEO cooperation.
Nizam Uddin, sub-divisional engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, acknowledged having a list of illegal structures along the road but lacked specific details on fuel shops. He assured that such a list would soon be prepared for potential eviction efforts.
Security risks and public safety
The presence of these illegal shops increases the likelihood of accidents like the January 26 fire. With flammable materials stored haphazardly and transactions conducted without safety measures, the risk to public life and property is alarming. Authorities must act swiftly to dismantle these operations and restore order.
