Vessel carrying 34,000 tons of diesel arrives at Chattogram Port

A vessel carrying 34,000 tons of diesel has arrived at Chattogram Port, reinforcing efforts to maintain fuel supply system amid rising demand.

The tanker, MT Shan Gang Fa Xian, anchored at the port’s outer harbor early Sunday after transporting refined fuel from Malaysia. Officials expect the shipment to help meet the country’s ongoing energy needs.

Port sources confirmed that the diesel was supplied by Unipac Singapore Pte Ltd. The arrival follows another recent delivery, as a separate vessel carrying 27,000 tons of diesel docked at the port on Friday.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said that unloading and distribution will be carried out swiftly in accordance with established procedures to prevent any disruption in the domestic fuel market.

In response to evolving global conditions, the government has adopted large-scale import measures to ensure energy security. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the direct purchase of 1.6 million metric tons of diesel and 100,000 tons of octane.

Officials also cited geopolitical tensions involving Iran, alongside developments related to the United States and Israel, as factors influencing emergency procurement decisions.

Bangladesh has approved the import of 1 million tons of diesel and 100,000 tons of octane from the United Arab Emirates under a direct procurement arrangement.

Additionally, 100,000 tons of diesel will be sourced from Maxwell International SPC, while another 500,000 tons will be imported from Kazakh Gas Processing Plant.

Regional instability intensified following the US and Israel strike on Iran (February 2026) on February 28, disrupting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has impacted fuel supply chains globally, particularly in import-dependent countries like Bangladesh.

To mitigate potential shortages, the government is actively diversifying fuel import sources to maintain a stable supply.