Sufficient stocks of refined oil are available in Bangladesh

Bangladesh currently holds adequate stocks of refined fuel and is not expected to face any immediate shortage, even if shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted.

“Fuel supply and demand remain normal. We have enough fuel oil in reserve for around 15 days. Despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, there will be no immediate disruption to refined fuel supplies,” said Dr AKM Azadur Rahman, Director (Operations and Planning) of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), while speaking to journalists today.

He noted that Bangladesh imports refined fuel from countries including Singapore, China, Malaysia and Indonesia, and added that the government is preparing contingency plans to source energy from alternative markets if required.

Rahman said BPC is closely monitoring the nationwide fuel supply chain to ensure uninterrupted distribution.

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

Bangladesh meets around 65 to 70 percent of its total energy demand through imports, with a significant share typically sourced from Middle Eastern countries. Overall fuel reserves generally range from two weeks to one month, while gas supplies are expected to remain stable for at least the next 20 days.

The government is also exploring alternative sources to import liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to maintain uninterrupted supply.

“Although most crude oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, refined petroleum products are sourced from various countries. Our suppliers of refined oil have assured us that shipments will continue,” the BPC director added.

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

A Petrobangla official said nine LNG cargoes are scheduled to arrive this month, including six from Qatar, four of which have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz.