Written by The Banking Post
Authorities have rolled out a strict monitoring framework for fuel distribution, clearly defining the responsibilities of “tag officers” stationed at petrol pumps in Dhaka and Chattogram.
The directive, issued on Sunday, aims to bring greater transparency and accountability across the entire supply chain—from depots to tankers to retail outlets—amid concerns over irregularities in fuel distribution.
Under the new guidelines, tag officers will closely track fuel movement and sales at every stage. They are required to record daily opening and closing stock, physically verify fuel deliveries from depots, and cross-check supply data with payment documents.
They must also confirm deliveries using standard measurement methods, ensure proper logging in station registers, and match dispensing machine readings with actual sales.
To strengthen oversight, officers will regularly inspect pump accuracy, verify storage capacity against approved layouts, and check for any unauthorised tanks or structures within station premises.
The directive also mandates real-time monitoring, with fuel stock updates required at least three times a day—morning, দুপুর, and evening—to maintain continuous visibility of supply levels.
Authorities have warned that any delay in retail sales after receiving fuel from depots will be treated as a violation. Penalties will escalate from warnings to mobile court action and even suspension.
Tag officers have also been instructed to document compliance issues—including queue management, cash memo practices, and illegal container sales—using geo-tagged evidence.
Officials say the move is designed to make the “depot-to-pump-to-consumer” chain fully transparent, helping prevent malpractice and protect consumers amid a tight fuel market.
