Bangladesh Has Adequate Refined Fuel Stock

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Bangladesh currently has sufficient refined fuel reserves and is unlikely to face any immediate shortage even if shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, officials said on Tuesday.

Dr AKM Azadur Rahman, Director (Operations and Planning) of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), said fuel supply and demand across the country remain stable, with around 15 days’ refined fuel stock available.

“Due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, we will not face any immediate problems regarding refined fuel oil,” he told reporters, adding that BPC is closely monitoring the supply chain to ensure uninterrupted distribution.

Bangladesh imports refined fuel from countries including Singapore, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. The government is also preparing contingency plans to source energy from alternative markets if necessary.

According to BPC data, the country currently has 201,610 tonnes of diesel in reserve—enough to meet demand for about 14 days. Petrol and octane stocks stand at 21,705 tonnes and 34,133 tonnes respectively, sufficient for roughly 17 days and 31 days.

Overall fuel reserves typically range between two weeks and one month. Gas supply is expected to remain stable for at least the next 20 days, officials said.

Bangladesh meets around 65 to 70 percent of its total energy demand through imports, a significant portion of which usually originates from Middle Eastern suppliers.

The government is also exploring alternative sources for importing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to maintain steady supply.

While crude oil shipments largely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, refined petroleum products are sourced from various countries, Rahman said, adding that suppliers have assured continued deliveries.

Apart from refined products, Bangladesh imports a substantial share of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar under government-to-government agreements, which require vessels to transit the Strait.

A senior official of Petrobangla said nine LNG cargoes are scheduled to arrive this month, including six from Qatar. Of those, four have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz, reducing immediate supply concerns.