Amid heightened uncertainty in global energy supply chains triggered by renewed instability in the Middle East, the arrival of a significant octane shipment at Chattogram Port has been viewed as a timely relief for Bangladesh’s domestic fuel market.

On Thursday afternoon, the vessel MT Central Star docked at the port carrying approximately 26,000 tonnes of octane. The consignment is expected to ease short-term pressure on supply, particularly at a time when disruptions in international oil logistics had raised concerns over availability in the domestic market.

According to officials of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), the shipment was arranged by Vitol, a Singapore-based global energy trading company, although the product itself was sourced from Malaysia. The state-owned Meghna Petroleum Limited has been assigned responsibility for unloading and distributing the fuel to retail markets across the country.

Managing Director of Meghna Petroleum Limited, Mohammad Shahirul Hasan, stated that there is currently no immediate shortage of octane in the country. He further assured that the newly arrived shipment would be expedited for unloading and distribution, with the process expected to be completed within approximately two days. This rapid handling, he noted, is aimed at stabilising supply in the shortest possible time.

The domestic fuel market has faced intermittent disruptions since late February, following escalating tensions involving Iran and wider regional instability in the Middle East. The impact was particularly visible in the retail fuel sector, where several filling stations reported severe shortages of octane. In multiple locations, motorists encountered long queues, while some outlets displayed notices indicating unavailability of the fuel. Although more than a month has passed since the onset of disruptions, market conditions have yet to fully normalise.

Octane, while accounting for a relatively smaller share of Bangladesh’s total petroleum consumption, plays a critical role in the transportation sector. It is primarily used in private vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, and microbuses, making its supply stability essential for urban mobility and economic activity.

Data from the BPC indicates that total octane consumption in the 2024–25 fiscal year stood at approximately 415,000 tonnes. Nearly half of this demand was met through domestic production, with the remainder covered by imports. As of 6 April, national stock levels were recorded at around 10,526 tonnes. Average daily consumption stood at 1,222 tonnes in March, declining slightly to 1,114 tonnes in April, reflecting the impact of supply constraints.

Energy analysts suggest that while the latest shipment will provide immediate relief, it is unlikely to resolve underlying vulnerabilities in the supply chain. They argue that sustained stability will require stronger coordination in import planning, improved stock management, and greater resilience against external shocks.

Fuel Supply Snapshot

While the arrival of MT Central Star is expected to stabilise the market in the short term, experts caution that prolonged geopolitical tensions in energy-producing regions could continue to exert pressure on Bangladesh’s fuel import outlook in the months ahead.