Another 100,000 tonnes of crude oil being imported from Saudi Arabia

Amid the tension in the Middle East, the government is taking multifaceted steps to ensure the country's energy supply. Currently, diplomatic talks are underway with Iran to quickly bring 100,000 metric tonnes of crude oil stuck in the Strait of Hormuz to Bangladesh.

At the same time, as an alternative measure, another 100,000 metric tonbes of crude oil has been purchased from Saudi Arabia. This oil will be brought directly to the Eastern Refinery in Chattogram via the Red Sea. According to the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, if this huge amount of fuel reaches the country within the next month, the ongoing crisis will be eased to a great extent.

Currently, a ship named 'MT Nordic Pollux' is stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Although the ship is in Ras Tanura port in Saudi Arabia, it is unable to enter Bangladesh due to lack of Iranian clearance. Although Iran has recently allowed 6 ships to sail, this ship was not included in that list. Diplomatic channels are being activated to get special permission.

To avoid the complications of the Strait of Hormuz, the new crude oil will be collected from Yanbu Commercial Port, which is located outside Hormuz. Loading is expected to reach Chittagong between April 20 and the first week of May, with a total of 200,000 metric tonnes of oil in two ships.

After the refining process, a huge amount of fuel will be obtained from these 200,000 metric tonnes of crude oil. This includes 52,000 metric tonnes of diesel, 32,000 metric tonnes of petrol, 16,000 metric tonnes of octane, 48,000 metric tonnes of furnace oil and 42,000 metric tonnes of kerosene.

According to Engineer Manzare Khorshed Alam, former General Manager of Eastern Refinery, if this amount of fuel reaches the country, the crisis will be largely alleviated, but more diesel may need to be imported from abroad to meet the additional demand. In the context of the current global situation, at least 39 fuel oil ships from alternative sources arrived at Chattogram Port in March, which is a reflection of the government's efforts to ensure the country's energy security.