The Hong Kong-flagged vessel Qiuchi, carrying 26,000 tonnes of octane from Malaysia, has arrived at Chattogram Port. It is the third octane shipment to arrive in April, bringing relief to the country’s fuel supply system, according to concerned officials.
The vessel anchored at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port on Thursdaymorning.
Port authorities said unloading operations were scheduled to begin from the afternoon.
Earlier this month, two more vessels arrived with octane cargoes — one carrying 26,000 tonnes on April 8 and another carrying 27,000 tonnes on April 17. With the latest shipment, a total of 79,000 tonnes of octane has been imported through three vessels in April.
Sources said the country’s daily octane demand is around 1,200 tonnes. Based on that estimate, the 79,000 tonnes imported this month will be sufficient to meet demand for more than two months.
Nazrul Islam, owner of Pride Shipping Line, said five more vessels carrying octane and diesel are currently waiting at the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port. In addition, three vessels berthed at the Dolphin Jetty on Wednesday and have already started fuel discharge operations.
He said the port has only three Dolphin Jetties, making it impossible to berth all vessels at the same time. As a result, several ships have to wait at the outer anchorage.
He said cargo discharge operations have slowed somewhat due to rough weather conditions. Extra caution is required when the sea remains rough, causing delays in unloading fuel.
Energy sector insiders said regular imports are essential as fuel demand rises during the summer season, especially in the transport and industrial sectors. Timely arrival of these shipments will help maintain supply stability.
According to Chattogram Port sources, the remaining vessels waiting at the outer anchorage will be brought to the jetties in phases for unloading operations.