An unusual surge in open-market petrol sales has raised alarm in Sandwip under the Chattogram-3 constituency ahead of the upcoming election. Over the past week, bottled petrol sales in local markets and roadside shops have multiplied, with vendors selling without licenses or fire safety measures. Security analysts and residents expressed deep concern that the widespread availability of petrol could be misused to make petrol bombs for election-related violence.

Field reports show petrol being sold in glass and plastic bottles across grocery and temporary shops. Vendors claim they are meeting motorcycle fuel demand, but the sharp increase in sales has drawn public suspicion. Security expert Fahad Al Rimon warned that such unregulated fuel circulation in a remote island could enable miscreants to easily collect materials for sabotage or attacks during political rallies.

Sandwip Upazila Executive Officer Mongchingnu Marma said the administration has taken the issue seriously and will soon launch mobile court drives to enforce legal action against those violating safety and licensing rules. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to monitor the situation closely.