The owners of petrol pumps and CNG refuelling stations across Sylhet division have called a strike for an indefinite period in protest against fines imposed during mobile court drives.

Zubayer Ahmed Chowdhury, divisional president of Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, made the announcement at about 11:30AM on Thursday.

They claimed that in the current situation, it is not possible for the owners to operate any pumps, including CNG and LPG, in Sylhet division.

Earlier in the day, a mobile court drive conducted by the district administration fined a petrol pump in Sylhet city for allegedly storing excess petrol beyond the government-approved limit.

Zubayer Ahmed alleged that the drives are being used as a means of harassment and extortion.