DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS) – The Energy Division today said Bangladesh’s largest state-owned Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) capacity would affect little the fuel supply system as the facility contribute only one fifth petroleum of the country’s supply system while rest of the volume is imported in refined form.

“The government has ensured import of refined fuel despite the global situation. There will be no adverse impact on oil supply due to ERL’s low feed operations,” Energy Division Joint Secretary Monir Hossain Chowdhury told reporters.

Addressing a press briefing at the ministry's conference room, he said that the ERL plays a significant role in maintaining uninterrupted supply of fuel but it was not the main source of petroleum supply in the country.

Currently, he said, the facility was operating two of its four units to refine oils with “dead stocks” and expected to make two other units operational again receiving crude petroleum and a process was underway for the import.

“In view of the current global situation, the government ensured import of refined fuel from alternative sources,” Chowdhury said adding there was nothing to worry about supply of petroleum products in the country.

The energy division comments came amid concerns about the low performance of the ERL creating anxiety among a large section of people.

Chowdhury said production slowdowns at two ERL units due to crude oil shortages would not disrupt the national fuel supply as over 255,000 metric tons of refined fuel was currently in stock.

The energy division spokesman said that diversified imports and increased cross border pipeline supplies from India were underway.

He said the Strait of Hormuz was remained almost closed since February 28 debarring scheduled arrival of 2,00,000 metric tonnes of crude oil to Bangladesh during the period.

According to the official a ship, Nordics Pollux, carrying 100,000 tonnes of crude oil was supposed to arrive from Saudi Arabia in March is currently stuck at Rastanura Portin of Saudi Arabi as it could not cross Hormuz Strait.

He said another ship from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was to reach Bangladesh in March but the war situation in the Persian Gulf debarred its movement as well.

Chowdhury, however, said another ship carrying 100,000 tonnes of Arabian Light Crude Oil is scheduled to depart from the UAE on April 20 and expected to reach Chattogram via an alternative route on May 2-3.

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

In addition, a work order was issued with the approval of the cabinet to import 100,000 tonnes of crude oil through direct purchase to meet urgent needs.

Chowdhury noted that the ERL processed about 1.5 million metric tons of crude oil annually, supplying roughly 20 percent of the nation's total fuel demand.

The official said due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, scheduled crude oil shipments from Saudi Arabia and the UAE could not be received in March and April but expressed his hope that the next shipment will arrive by April 20.

A crude oil vessel has already departed from Yanbu port in Saudi Arabia and is expected to reach Bangladesh in late April or early May.

The spokesperson reassured that even if ERL operations are temporarily disrupted, it will not significantly affect fuel supply, as sufficient refined fuel is already in stock.