Import of high speed diesel from India may be delayed
Sunday, 3 June 2007
FE Report
The import of 120,000 tonnes of high speed diesel from neighbouring India might be delayed as the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is yet to complete the customs formalities.
The BPC is awaiting clearance from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to expedite the import.
The state-owned BPC is importing the fuel from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) from its Nomaligorth plant located in Assam in India.
The BPC is purchasing the fuel mainly to meet the agricultural purposes in the country's north and westerns districts.
However, the first shipment was scheduled to arrive at Baghabari in Serajganj in June 15.
The first shipment now has become uncertain due to the delay at the NBR, said officials at the BPC.
The BPC wants to issue a reference customs clearing and forwarding agent licence for Baghabari depot to take delivery of fuel.
Currently, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation holds a C and F licence for the Chittagong port.
But the licence is not valid for any other ports in the country.
It also wants to use its Chittagong-based revolving account to pay duties and other fees to the national exchequer.
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation sources said the Baghabari depot is not a bonded area and hence it should also be allowed copies of shipping documents for taking delivery of fuel from barges.
The state-owned BPC has sent letters asking the NBR to expedite the procedures.
When contacted, one senior NBR official told the FE that they need time to study the file sent by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation .