Surat : Customs Joins Massive Diesel Theft Probe After 15,000-Litre Seizure

Surat | Gujarat — A major fuel theft racket suspected to be siphoning diesel from imported consignments has come under intense scrutiny in Surat, with the Customs Department now joining the investigation after police seized nearly 15,000 litres of suspicious fuel. The development has raised serious concerns about possible duty evasion, organized theft, and large-scale diversion of imported fuel into the black market.

The case first surfaced following action by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat Police, which uncovered a network allegedly involved in stealing diesel from imported containers and tankers before the fuel reached its designated destinations. Investigators believe the stolen diesel was being sold illegally across South Gujarat, including to operators of shrimp farms.

Following the seizure, Customs officials initiated a parallel inquiry to determine whether imported fuel was being diverted before proper accounting and whether the government suffered losses through unpaid customs duties.

A senior Customs official said, “If imported fuel is being siphoned off during transit or before reaching authorized storage facilities, it raises serious questions about compliance and potential duty losses to the government. Every aspect of the supply chain will be examined.”

Officials are expected to obtain legal documents and seizure records from the Surat Police to trace the origin of the fuel and identify all parties involved. The probe will also focus on importers, transporters, warehouse operators, and intermediaries connected to the consignments.

According to investigators, the theft allegedly occurs when imported diesel is transferred from large tankers into local storage units. During this process, a portion of the fuel is secretly diverted and later sold through unauthorized channels.

Customs experts explained that imported fuel is carefully measured and documented upon arrival at ports such as Hazira. Duties are levied based on the quantity imported, and any discrepancy between declared and delivered volumes can trigger legal action.

“The importer remains responsible for compliance under customs laws. If irregularities are established, recovery proceedings and penal action can follow,” an official noted.