Operations at Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) have been temporarily disrupted due to labour unrest at the Port of Chittagong, causing delays in the unloading of diesel from incoming vessels. Consequently, distribution to fuel depots across the country has slowed, prompting complaints from dealers who have not been able to receive diesel on schedule. While some dealers have described the situation as a “diesel shortage,” BPC has categorically stated that there is no actual scarcity of fuel.
Last Tuesday, reports emerged of minor fuel shortages in several regions. Dealers at multiple depots reported slower-than-usual service, with some vehicles having to wait until evening to be refuelled despite arriving in the morning. A dealer from Godnail, Narayanganj, who requested anonymity, explained: “Our truck entered Meghna Depot in the morning but was only able to leave with diesel in the evening. Depot officials informed me that the scheduled diesel shipment from Chittagong had not arrived on time, leaving the depot with limited stock. Once the river-borne vessel delivered fuel to the depot tanks, we were able to fill our vehicles.”
Dr AKM Azadur Rahman, BPC Director of Operations and Planning, told the press, “Although there was a minor delay, it is being overstated as a shortage. Unloading was slightly delayed due to the ongoing port unrest, but we acted immediately to prevent any disruption. Diesel was transferred via lighter vessels from the sea directly to depots. Additional shipments are also en route, so we anticipate no real shortage.”
Diesel remains the most in-demand fuel in Bangladesh. Because all petroleum imports are scheduled to arrive from overseas, even slight deviations in delivery schedules can temporarily affect local supply.
BPC has shared current storage capacities and available stock across different fuel types:
| Fuel Type | Depot Storage Capacity (Litres) | Current Stock (Litres) |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel (HSD) | 624,189 | 169,515 |
| Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) | 36,941 | 12,940 |
| Motor Spirit Petrol (MS) | 37,013 | 20,306 |
| Octane (HOBc) | 53,361 | 54,758 |
| Furnace Oil (FOHS) | 144,869 | 76,967 |
| Jet Fuel | 64,118 | 166,036 |
| Refined Products from Eastern Refinery | 225,000 | – |
| Condensate | 5,690 | – |
| Naphtha | 28,840 | – |
| Other Products | 121,454 | – |
A BPC official further noted that an additional 450,000 litres of diesel are expected to be unloaded over the coming days. Multiple vessels carrying diesel, as well as jet fuel and octane, are currently at sea. The corporation has emphasised that supply pipelines are being actively managed to prevent any genuine fuel shortage.
In summary, while the port unrest has caused short-term delays in diesel distribution, BPC maintains that sufficient stock is available nationwide, and full replenishment is underway. Dealers and end-users are expected to see normal fuel availability resume shortly.