An oil tanker carrying over 34,000 tonnes of diesel has reached the outer anchorage of Chittagong Port, boosting Bangladesh’s fuel supply amid ongoing energy pressure.
The Malaysia-bound tanker Shan Gang Fa Jian anchored near Kutubdia in the Bay of Bengal around 10pm on Friday (April 3), according to its local agent, Pride Shipping Lines.
Managing partner Nazrul Islam said that around 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of diesel will be unloaded at the outer anchorage through lighter vessels. At least two smaller oil tankers will be used to complete the transfer in phases.
The vessel is expected to berth at Dolphin Jetty in Patenga on Sunday for further unloading.
Meanwhile, another tanker carrying 27,300 tonnes of diesel from Singapore is currently discharging fuel at Dolphin Jetty No. 6 and is also scheduled to depart on Sunday.
Officials said this marks the tenth diesel shipment since the start of the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets.
Secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority, Syed Refayet Hamim, said oil and gas vessels are being given priority berthing to address the country’s energy needs.
Sources at the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation said the government is also exploring fuel imports from new sources to ensure supply stability.
