Fuel supply disruptions hit transport, industries in Ctg

CHATTOGRAM, Mar 28: Disruptions in the fuel supply chain stemming from the Middle East war are significantly impacting daily life and industrial production in the port city of Chattogram, even as officials say there is no nationwide shortage.
Most petrol pumps across the city have remained shut since Eid holidays, while those still open are struggling to supply octane and other fuels, leaving long queues of vehicles waiting hours for refuelling.
The industrial sector is feeling the pinch as well. Diesel shortages are reducing output and increasing production costs, as heavy industries and ready-made garment (RMG) factories have faced operational disruptions due to limited fuel supply.
Mohammad Almas Shimul, Additional Managing Director of GPH Ispat, told The FE that Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) continues to supply diesel, but if the war situation prolongs and imports are disrupted, heavy industries in the country, including GPH, will suffer significantly.
In that case, production may be halted due to fuel shortages, he warned.
He said the government is working to maintain supply chains, noting that Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) teams and special officials have been deployed at depots and petrol pumps to ensure smooth distribution.
"I hope that as Iran allows fuel-carrying ships bound for Bangladesh, there will not be any major crisis," he added.
Meherul Karim, CEO of KSRM, echoed a cautiously optimistic view. "We have yet to face a fuel crisis as BPC is supplying industrial fuel. However, international ship fuel prices have risen, and our vessels are sourcing fuel from various countries at international rates, which are borne by charterers."
The government is maintaining a balanced distribution system amid global uncertainty, he added.
Market insiders said sectors such as shipbreaking and heavy industry could face further operational disruptions, while the garment sector is struggling with load-shedding and constrained diesel supplies following government-imposed limits on fuel distribution.
Although the government had earlier introduced rationing of petrol, octane and diesel amid concerns over the Middle East conflict, some petrol pumps have displayed "No Octane" or "No Petrol" signs. There have also been allegations that some operators are charging higher prices under various pretexts.
Oil sector sources clarified that distribution is currently based on clients' historical consumption patterns. Oil companies are supplying fuel in line with clients' weekly and monthly requirements, referencing purchase records from March last year. Therefore, there is no crisis at present, said a source.
Amid the challenges, fuel arrivals at Chattagong Port continue. A total of 29 energy vessels carrying LNG, LPG, and refined fuel products have berthed at the port in the first 28 days of March, with additional shipments scheduled in the coming days, sources said.
Refayat Hamim, Secretary of the Chattagong Port Authority (CPA), confirmed that port activities continued uninterrupted during the Eid holidays.
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