Bangladesh ensuring import of refined fuel from alternative sources

Bangladesh’s Energy Division recently said the capacity of the state-owned Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) would affect little the fuel supply system as the unit contributes only a fifth of the country’s petroleum supply system while the rest is imported in refined form.

The country has ensured import of refined fuel from alternative sources despite the global situation, and there will be no adverse impact on oil supply due to ERL’s low feed operations, Energy Division joint secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury was cited as saying by domestic media outlets.

Bangladesh’s Energy Division recently said the capacity of Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) would affect little the fuel supply system as the unit contributes only a fifth of the country’s petroleum supply system while the rest is imported in refined form.
It has ensured import of refined fuel from alternative sources, and there will be no adverse impact on oil supply due to ERL’s low feed operations.

The facility is now operating two of its four units to refine oils with ‘dead stocks’ and is expected to make two other units operational again, he said. The process to import crude is under way.

Chowdhury said production slowdowns at two ERL units due to crude oil shortages would not disrupt the nation’s fuel supply as over 255,000 metric tonnes of refined fuel is in stock now.

The Strait of Hormuz has been almost closed since February 28 preventing scheduled arrival of 2,00,000 metric tonnes of crude oil to Bangladesh during that period, he noted.

A ship carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude was supposed to arrive from Saudi Arabia in March, but is currently stuck at Rastanura Port as it could not cross the Hormuz Strait, he informed reporters at a press conference. Another ship from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also met the same fate.

A third ship carrying 100,000 tonnes of Arabian light crude is scheduled to depart from the UAE on April 20 and expected to reach Chattogram via an alternative route on May 2 or 3, he said.

The government has also requested Saudi Arabia to provide another 100,000 tonnes of crude oil in May, he added.

A work order has been issued with the approval of the cabinet to import 100,000 tonnes of crude oil through direct purchase to meet urgent needs.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)