A tanker carrying 27,000 metric tonnes of diesel from Singapore has arrived at the Chattogram Port, providing relief amid concerns over potential fuel shortages due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to port sources, the tanker “Lian Huan Hu” reached the port’s outer anchorage on Tuesday (March 10) afternoon, and the fuel unloading process began at around 7:30 pm the same day.
This marks the second diesel shipment to arrive within 11 days, following the arrival of another tanker, “Shiu Chi,” which brought 27,204 metric tonnes of diesel to Chattogram on Monday.
Officials believe the new shipment will significantly improve the country’s fuel stock situation.
More Tankers Expected
According to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), three more diesel tankers are expected to arrive at Chattogram Port within the next five days.
- “SPT Themis” carrying 30,484 metric tonnes of diesel is scheduled to arrive on March 12.
- “Raffles Samurai” is expected on March 13.
- “Chang Hang Hong Tu” will arrive on March 15, each carrying around 30,000 metric tonnes of diesel.
Together, these five tankers will add a total of 144,205 metric tonnes of refined diesel imported from various Asian countries.
Fuel Supply Outlook
According to BPC estimates, the diesel from these shipments will be sufficient to meet the country’s demand for at least 12 days under normal consumption levels.
However, considering volatility in the global market, the government has already reduced daily diesel supply to 9,000 metric tonnes since last Sunday in order to maintain longer-term reserves.
If this reduced supply policy continues, the newly imported diesel could meet demand for up to 16 days.
Currently, the country’s existing fuel reserves are sufficient to meet another 16 to 17 days of demand. With the arrival of the new shipments, officials believe Bangladesh will have nearly one month’s diesel supply secured.
Officials’ Statement
Masud Parvez, an official from the Commercial and Operations Division of BPC, said:
“Despite the ongoing war situation, fuel unloading from the first tanker that arrived on Monday began immediately. The unloading process of Tuesday’s second tanker is also underway.”
He added that if the remaining vessels arrive on schedule, the country’s fuel supply situation will stabilize quickly.
BPC officials believe that the continuous arrival of fuel shipments will ease public concerns and prevent any artificial shortage in the market, while the port authorities and BPC continue to work together to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
