বাংলাEnergy Import Record: Bangladesh has successfully imported a record amount of LPG, LNG, and refined oil in March, totaling 6,000 crore BDT, despite the ongoing Middle East conflict. Read more.
Bangladesh Diversifies Fuel Sources to Maintain Energy Security
The Energy Import Record set in March 2026 highlights Bangladesh’s resilience in the global energy market. While the Middle East remains engulfed in conflict, Bangladesh managed to bring in 42 vessels carrying essential fuel products. According to the Chattogram Custom House, the country imported 571,000 metric tons of refined diesel, base oil, and jet fuel worth 4,490 crore BDT. This marks a significant increase of 124,000 metric tons compared to March 2025, ensuring that the domestic supply remains stable despite regional instability.
Despite the positive Energy Import Record for refined products, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused a drastic slump in crude oil imports. Only 65,534 metric tons of crude oil reached the country this March, compared to 332,000 metric tons in the same period last year. Currently, approximately 100,000 metric tons of crude oil destined for Eastern Refinery Limited remain stranded in the Hormuz Strait. This shortage poses a challenge for the production of petrol, octane, and diesel locally.
Strategic Measures and Future Procurement Plans
Commodore Amin Ahmed Abdullah of the Chattogram Port Authority confirmed that joint exercises with the Navy and Coast Guard are being conducted to ensure the Energy Import Record continues safely. To mitigate the crude oil shortage, the government has decided to purchase 100,000 metric tons of diesel and two LNG cargoes from alternative sources like Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. Future plans include a massive tender for 1.6 million metric tons of diesel to buffer against further regional escalations.
Experts like Zahirul Islam, Director of PHP Group, suggest that while the Energy Import Record is impressive, Bangladesh must decrease its dependency on the Middle East by exploring more non-traditional markets. For continuous updates on the national fuel situation and international energy trends, visit our Economic News Section and subscribe to our YouTube Community for live expert analysis.
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