6.05 lakh tonnes of fuel arrive in April; 6 lakh more lined up for May

A vessel carrying 26,000 tonnes of octane arrived at Chattogram Port today (30 April), the latest in a surge of fuel imports that saw Bangladesh bring in a total of 605,227 tonnes of refined petroleum products through 20 ships in April.

Data from the port, shipping agents and the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) show that eight fuel-laden vessels were stationed at jetties and in the outer anchorage at the time. The stepped-up imports come as the government moved to stabilise supply following disruptions in March linked to the Middle East conflict.

BPC officials said around 600,000 tonnes of refined fuel and an additional 100,000 tonnes of crude oil are expected to arrive in May, ensuring continued supply stability.

A review of March inflows shows that 453,448 tonnes of diesel were imported through 14 vessels, supplemented by 40,000 tonnes via pipeline from India's Numaligarh Refinery. With daily demand estimated at 12,500 tonnes, the available diesel stock is sufficient for around 40 days.

Octane imports reached 79,364 tonnes across three vessels, enough to meet demand for 63 days at a daily consumption rate of 1,250 tonnes. Jet fuel imports totalled 46,596 tonnes from two vessels, which can cover approximately 31 days of demand, based on a daily requirement of 1,500 tonnes.

In contrast, furnace oil imports lagged behind demand. Only one vessel carrying 25,864 tonnes arrived during the period, against a daily demand of 2,500 tonnes – enough for just 10 days. However, BPC sources said lower seasonal demand and adequate existing reserves led to reduced furnace oil imports.

Officials say the combined effect of increased imports and price adjustments has gradually eased the fuel supply situation. Long queues at filling stations have shortened, indicating improved availability.

With higher volumes of refined fuel imports, petroleum reserves have increased significantly. BPC officials expressed confidence over supply stability in May, noting that current diesel stocks – combining storage and shipments – stand at around 300,000 tonnes.

Concerns over octane and petrol supply have also subsided, bringing overall relief to fuel supply management for the month ahead.

Officials further confirmed that import arrangements have already been finalised for 17 additional vessels carrying nearly 500,000 tonnes of refined fuel in May. Meanwhile, the arrival of 100,000 tonnes of crude oil in the first week of May is expected to enable the resumption of operations at Eastern Refinery Limited.

The developments are set to end nearly two months of operational strain for BPC and its three marketing companies, whose officials had been working under sustained pressure to maintain supply.

Md Monir Hossain Chowdhury, joint secretary (operations) and spokesperson of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, said there had been no actual fuel crisis in the country.

"All BPC operations and imports were carried out as planned. What occurred at the field level was a temporary, artificial shortage driven by panic buying across the country," he said.

"The government has taken every decision in a coordinated manner, and we are now seeing the results. We still have around 300,000 tonnes of diesel in stock, and fuel imports for May are on track. The situation has stabilised, and public confidence is returning," he added.