C T Online Desk: Despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, oil tankers continue to arrive at Chittagong Port.
A tanker named PVT Solana is set to arrive from Malaysia carrying 27,300 tons of refined diesel. The vessel is expected to anchor at the port on Tuesday before completing formalities to berth at the Dolphin Jetty.
According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) sources, the shipment is part of ongoing efforts to maintain fuel supply stability.
However, despite the steady arrival of oil tankers, pressure at petrol pumps remains high. Many filling stations are reportedly operating for limited hours, with the most acute shortage being octane.
Long queues of vehicles—particularly motorcycles—have been observed at fuel stations across the city.
Mohammad Mainuddin, member secretary of the Petrol Pump Owners Association’s Chittagong division, said there is no shortage of diesel in the region, but octane supply is insufficient compared to demand.
“After the oil crisis began, demand for octane and other fuels rose sharply, but supply has remained unchanged,” he said.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced of fuel being sold above government-set prices in some areas. In one instance, octane priced at Tk120 was reportedly sold for Tk150 at a shop in Raozan upazila.
District administration officials said mobile courts have conducted 98 drives so far, imposing fines totaling Tk400,000 to Tk450,000 and filing 18–20 cases.
They added that drives against illegal hoarding and overpricing will continue.
Chittagong Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said that around 30 fuel-carrying vessels have arrived at the port between March 3 and March 30.
“All these ships have already unloaded their cargo and departed. Six more vessels are expected to arrive by April 4—three carrying LNG, two gas oil, and one LPG,” he said.
Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said there is no shortage of fuel in the country.
“We have adequate stocks of octane, petrol, and diesel. There is no need for panic buying. Legal action will be taken against hoarding,” he added.
