In response to a surge in fuel theft and adulteration incidents involving tank lorry drivers and assistants, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is taking proactive measures to address the issue with a digital lock and tracking system.
With 2,800 registered tank lorries and 100 tankers transporting fuel nationwide, the absence of a digital lock tracking system has allowed theft and adulteration during transportation.
Efforts are underway within the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources to rein in these incidents. Plans are underway to install digital locks on each tank and lorry, enabling real-time tracking and immediate notification to owners upon lock opening.
The transportation of fuel from depots to filling stations has been marred by reports of adulteration, prompting the government to intensify surveillance efforts.
While previous measures curbed the use of adulterated petrol, recent spikes in such incidents prompted the government to intervene. Energy Secretary Nurul Amin has mandated the immediate installation of digital locks with tracking systems on tank lorries.
Initially targeting private company tank lorries, the initiative will eventually extend to government institutions’ vehicles. The government’s broader strategy includes GPS mapping of energy-selling establishments, aiming to regulate fuel and CNG stations effectively.
By digitizing tank lorries and oil tankers, Bangladesh aims to bolster security and integrity within its fuel transportation network, mitigating the risks associated with theft and adulteration.
