Eight fuel-laden ships arrive Chattogram Port

Amid growing uncertainty triggered by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, eight fuel-carrying vessels have arrived at Chattogram Port, according to a Chattogram Port offcial.

The ships anchored at the port on Sunday morning (March 8), the official said, noting the vessels had crossed the Strait of Hormuz before February 28, prior to the escalation of hostilities in the region.

Chattogram Port Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim confirmed the development.

According to port sources, a total of 10 vessels carrying fuel had departed from various parts of the world, including countries in the Persian Gulf, for Bangladesh before fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz intensified. Several have already arrived, while the rest remain en route.

Among the vessels, four are carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and two are transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Another four ships are bringing diesel and other petroleum products. In total, the 10 vessels are carrying nearly 3,75,000 tonnes of oil and gas.

Regional tensions surged after the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory threats from Tehran and raising concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supplies pass.

Bangladesh relies on this route for trade with several countries including Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. However, shipping through nearby routes such as the Gulf of Oman has also come under heightened risk due to the conflict.

Fuel shipments from the Persian Gulf typically reach Bangladesh by passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and finally the Bay of Bengal.

Amid fears that Middle East instability could impact global energy markets, authorities in Bangladesh have already taken precautionary steps to manage domestic fuel supplies. On Friday, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation imposed limits on the volume of fuel sales as part of contingency measures.