CHATTOGRAM, May 06: Production at Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), the country's only state-owned oil refinery, is set to resume at full capacity from Thursday (today) following the easing of a crude oil shortage.
Sources said an oil tanker carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil from Saudi Arabia reached the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port on Wednesday, destined for the oil refinery.
ERL Managing Director Md Sharif Hasnat said the tanker MT Ninemia had already arrived and lightering operations were underway.
"Crude oil has started reaching ERL storage tanks, and we are resuming refining operations from Thursday. There is no shortage of crude oil now," he said.
The refinery had faced a raw material shortage last month due to disruptions in crude imports. Following the crisis, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) took immediate steps to arrange fresh imports.
Officials said around 300,000 tonnes of crude oil are scheduled to arrive at Chittagong within May, with an additional 100,000 tonnes expected soon. This would raise total supplies to about 400,000 tonnes, helping stabilise the situation caused by the Middle East conflict.
The transportation of crude oil is being managed by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), which charters vessels for BPC.
BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek said there would be no shortage of crude oil for at least the next three months as shipments continue to arrive.
He noted that a steady supply chain has been ensured, with vessels departing Saudi Arabia as others arrive in Chittagong.
ERL had been operating at reduced capacity due to disruptions in crude oil imports linked to the Middle East conflict. The temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year delayed scheduled imports of around 300,000 tonnes during March and April.
With fresh shipments now arriving, ERL is expected to return to full-scale operations, easing pressure on the country's fuel supply, sources said.
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