Eight more fuel vessels reach Chattogram Port

Eight vessels loaded with gas and petroleum products have arrived at Chattogram Port, bringing temporary relief to Bangladesh’s fuel supply system at a time when concerns are growing over possible disruptions in global energy shipments due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Officials at the port said the tankers reached the outer anchorage on Sunday morning.

According to authorities, the vessels had already crossed the strategically important Strait of Hormuz before 28 February, prior to the recent conflict in the region that has affected maritime movements through the busy energy corridor.

Syed Refayet Hamim, secretary of the Chattogram Port Authority, confirmed the arrival of the ships and said they are currently anchored at the port.

He added that the vessels will begin unloading their cargo once standard customs and port clearance procedures are completed.

The arrival of the ships comes as Bangladesh closely monitors developments in the Gulf region, which is a key source of the country’s energy imports.

In response to uncertainty surrounding future shipments, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has introduced restrictions on the sale of petroleum products since Friday in an effort to conserve domestic fuel reserves and maintain supply stability.

Industry sources said maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely been disrupted since fighting intensified on 28 February. While ships that crossed the strait earlier have been able to continue their journeys, several vessels remain stranded at ports across the Middle East, including facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Dubai.

Energy experts caution that if the disruption continues for an extended period, Bangladesh could face significant challenges in maintaining its fuel supply chain.

They noted that authorities may need to explore alternative sourcing strategies or adjust procurement routes to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies for the country’s transport, power generation and industrial sectors.