CHATTOGRAM, July 1, 2025 (BSS) - Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL), the state-owned oil refinery, refined the highest amount of fuel in its history last fiscal year.

ERL refined 1.535 million metric tons of crude oil in the fiscal year 2024-25, setting a new record in the company's 57-year history and exceeding its annual refining capacity for the first time. 

This was revealed at a press conference held at the ERL head office in the city’s Patenga area   on Tuesday.

ERL Board of Directors Chairman and Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Chairman Amin ul Ahsan, BPC Secretary Shahina Sultana and ERL Managing Director Engineer Md. Sharif Hasnat were present at the event. 

ERL Chairman Nasimul Ghani said, Due to uninterrupted supply, efficient management and the concerted efforts of all concerned, we were able to refine more oil than the target this time. This is a significant achievement for this 57-year-old refinery." 

The review shows significant progress in refining activities this time compared to the previous year. 

BPC Chairman Amin ul Ahsan mentioned that the initiative to build the second unit of ERL is progressing rapidly. He said, "The Development Project Proposal (DPP) has already been submitted to the concerned ministry. After approval, international tenders will be invited soon.’ 

He also mentioned that there are plans to set up a new refinery with a capacity of one million tons in Maheshkhali and another refinery at Payra Port. Land has already been allocated for Maheshkhali. 

Currently, ERL can refine about 1.5 million tons of crude oil per year. Once the construction of the second unit is completed, the total refining capacity of the company will increase to three million tons further enhancing the country's energy security. 

Managing Director of ERL, Engineer Md. Sharif Hasnat said, ‘We are pleased to announce that this time we have been able to refine 1.535 million metric tons, exceeding our production capacity. This is a significant milestone in our history. This achievement was possible with the combined efforts of all the officers and employees of ERL, BPC, marketing companies and the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Department.’ 

The lone state run fuel refinery was commissioned in 1968 with an annual refining capacity of 15 lakh tons.

"It has been possible to achieve 100% of the targets with well thought out planning and efficient management and the dedicated and relentless efforts of officers and workers at all levels of the company. This achievement is a source of pride for the nation on the occasion of the golden jubilee of independence,” the sources added.