BSTI Shuts Down Five Fuel Pumps in Jatrabari Filling Station Over Measurement Irregularities

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) has shut down all five fuel dispensing units at Poura Filling Station in Jatrabari after a mobile court detected significant fuel shortages during inspections.

The operation, led by BSTI Executive Magistrate Md Mahbubul Islam, was carried out on Monday and resulted in fines totaling Tk3 lakh in five separate cases for alleged manipulation of fuel measurements.

According to BSTI inspectors, the station’s octane dispensing unit was supplying more than 530 millilitres less fuel per 10 litres than required. The four diesel dispensing units were also found to be delivering shortages of 330ml, 300ml, 340ml, and 320ml per 10 litres, respectively.

BSTI said the discrepancies far exceeded the legally permissible tolerance limit of 30 millilitres per 10 litres under national measurement standards.

Following the findings, the mobile court ordered the immediate closure of all five dispensing units and directed the filling station authorities to correct the measurement systems before operations can resume.

During the inspection, the station manager informed BSTI officials that the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) purchases approximately 1,500 litres of octane and diesel daily from the station, while other customers collectively purchase around 5,000 litres of fuel each day.

BSTI noted that given the station’s high daily sales volume, the fuel shortages could have resulted in substantial financial losses for consumers over time.

The penalties were imposed under the Weights and Measures Standards Act, 2018, which governs the accuracy of commercial measuring instruments and consumer protection standards in Bangladesh.

BSTI officials said such enforcement drives would continue across the country to ensure accurate fuel measurement, prevent consumer fraud, and protect the interests of motorists and other fuel users.

The agency reiterated its commitment to monitoring filling stations and taking legal action against businesses found violating measurement regulations.