Eight fuel-carrying vessels, including gas and oil, anchored at Chattogram port on Sunday (March 8) amid rising tensions in the Middle East. These ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz before February 28, prior to the strikes on Iran by the US and Israel, Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed.
Meanwhile, amid concerns over reduced global fuel supply, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) imposed a cap on fuel sales last Friday.
Sources say that due to the conflict that began on February 28, shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been halted. While vessels that passed before the blockade have reached Bangladesh, subsequent ships remain stranded at various Middle Eastern ports, including in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Dubai.
Experts warn that if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains suspended for an extended period, it could put pressure on Bangladesh’s fuel supply. Authorities may need to consider alternative supply arrangements to mitigate potential shortages.