The ship 'MT Great Princess' carrying 12,000 tonnes of jet fuel from Singapore has anchored at the jetty of Chattogram Port. The cargo was supplied by Indian Oil Corporation Limited.
The 'MT Great Princess' anchored at the jetty of Chattogram Port at around 8 am on Tuesday.
In addition, two more ships carrying about 68,000 tonnes of diesel are scheduled to arrive at Chattogram Port tonight. Of these, 'MT Term Damini' supplied by Unipac Singapore carries 33,000 tonnes and 'MT Lucia Solis' supplied by Vittal Asia carries 35,000 tonnes of diesel.
Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said that as of April 12, the country had an estimated stock of jet fuel of 22,000 tonnes, which is enough to meet the demand for about two weeks. The stock has increased slightly with the addition of this new shipment. However, jet fuel consumption is comparatively low; 21,000 tonnes were sold in the first 12 days of the month, a daily average of 1,758 tonnes, slightly higher than the same period last year.
Meanwhile, two more ships carrying diesel are scheduled to arrive in Chattogram around 11pm Tuesday night. The MT Torm Damini is bringing in about 33,000 tonnes of diesel (supplied by Unipac Singapore Pte Ltd) and the MT Lucia Solis is bringing in about 35,000 tonnes (supplied by Vittal Asia).
A large part of the country's energy consumption is diesel-dependent, about 63 percent of the total. From transport to agriculture, industry to power, its demand is strong everywhere. According to BPC, the total demand in April is about 400,000 tonnes. Keeping that in mind, a phased import plan has been made throughout the month.
Earlier, at the beginning of the month, two ships brought in a total of 61,000 tonnes of diesel on April 3. However, the demand pressure has not completely subsided. From April 1 to 12, 133,000 tons were sold, with a daily average of 11,138 tons.
Till April 12, the supplyable diesel stock was about 119,000 tons, which could meet the demand for about 10 days. If two new shipments are added, this capacity may increase for a few more days, although how much relief it will provide in the long run depends on the continuity of subsequent imports.
According to BPC data, currently more than 11,000 tons of diesel are being sold in the country daily. As of April 12, the supplyable diesel stock in the country was 119,000 tons, which could meet the demand for about 10 days. With the addition of the new shipments, the stock will increase for another 4/5 days.
BPC Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman said that in addition to the scheduled supply, efforts are being made to bring fuel from alternative sources. According to him, there is no danger of a major crisis this month.
BPC Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman said that a few ships have already arrived and more will arrive.
“Efforts are being made to import oil from alternative sources in addition to contracted suppliers. There is no risk of any shortage in fuel oil supply this month,” he added.
Source: BSS
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
