The government has appointed “tag officers” at filling stations across the country and deployed members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at key fuel depots to ensure smooth supply and prevent irregularities amid global market uncertainty.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division took the initiative to streamline fuel management, curb hoarding and maintain discipline in oil marketing as concerns grow over supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
A tag officer is a government-appointed official tasked with monitoring operations at designated fuel stations. These officers oversee distribution, enforce regulations and report any irregularities directly to higher authorities.
Confirming the development, BGB Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam said on Saturday, March 28, that attempts to hoard fuel have been observed due to rising global oil prices. Following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB members have been deployed to prevent hoarding, ensure discipline in fuel marketing and maintain uninterrupted supply.
The deployment is being carried out under a coordinated plan supervised by BGB headquarters. Personnel have set up temporary base camps in strategic locations, including remote areas, to effectively oversee depot operations.
Since March 25, BGB has been deployed at 19 fuel depots across nine districts – Dhaka (1), Kurigram (2), Rangpur (3), Rajshahi (3), Sylhet (2), Moulvibazar (3), Cumilla (3), Brahmanbaria (1) and Sunamganj (1).
BGB members stationed at these depots are conducting regular monitoring and enforcing security and administrative measures under the leadership of officers at temporary camps.
Authorities said intelligence surveillance has been strengthened to tackle any untoward situation, while immediate steps are being taken to prevent illegal storage, sale and possible sabotage. Close coordination is also being maintained with depot authorities to ensure swift information exchange.
Officials expect the visible presence of BGB at depot areas to help stabilise fuel supply and boost public confidence.
Meanwhile, to prevent fuel smuggling, BGB has intensified patrols along border areas, including naval patrols, and set up additional check posts. Surveillance at land ports and border checkpoints has also been increased, with regular searches of trucks and other vehicles involved in import-export activities.