As Bangladesh grapples with a fuel shortage affecting irrigation and farm operations, a man from Kushtia’s Daulatpur upazila has drawn attention with a claim of producing alternative diesel from burnt Mobil oil.
Monirul Islam, who has been researching diesel engines for over a decade, says he has developed a process he calls the “Method of Alternative Diesel” (MAD).
According to him, the fuel is made by mixing burnt mobil oil with a small amount —just 100 milligrams—of a special booster ingredient.
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He claims the mixture can be used in diesel-powered engines as a substitute fuel.
Monirul said his journey began in 2007 when he was working as a teacher. He later left his job to pursue research full-time. Drawing on his experience, including work in China, he said he was able to achieve a practical application of his method only a few months ago.
Local farmer Akram Hossain said he has already used the fuel and found it helpful during the diesel shortage.
He said mixing 100 milligrams of the booster with five litres of burnt Mobil oil produces the equivalent of about seven litres of diesel, allowing him to continue irrigation.
Despite the interest, experts have urged caution.
Zahidul Haque, head of the Farm Machinery Department at Hossainabad Technical School and College, said that while the initiative appears cost-effective, there could be risks of engine damage.
He noted that its reliability cannot be confirmed without proper testing.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Rehana Parvin said the effectiveness of the fuel is being verified at the field level under the supervision of the Agriculture Office. If proven successful, she believes it could help reduce farmers’ production costs.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Anindya Guha described the initiative as promising in the context of the current diesel crisis.
He said the matter would be reported to higher authorities for further steps.
While questions remain over its long-term viability, the innovation has sparked local interest. Many hope it could offer some relief to farmers if further testing validates it.