Private inland container depots in Chattogram have warned that export-import operations could face disruption if diesel supply shortages continue at the facilities.
The Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA) has written to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) requesting immediate steps to ensure uninterrupted diesel supply to the depots.
In a letter sent on Monday, BICDA President Khalilur Rahman said 21 private inland container depots operate in Chattogram and handle nearly 100 per cent of export-bound containers and about 25 per cent of import containers through Chittagong Port.
Thousands of export containers are shipped daily through the depots, while a quarter of imported containerised goods are delivered through the same facilities.
The depots also transport large volumes of empty containers from Chittagong Port to their yards to maintain smooth port operations.
BICDA said container handling operations at the depots depend entirely on diesel-powered equipment, including reach stackers, side lifters, top loaders, forklifts, prime movers and trailers used for container transport.
The 21 depots require around 60,000 to 65,000 litres of diesel daily to maintain normal operations.
Currently, the facilities procure diesel from Padma Oil PLC, Meghna Petroleum Limited and Jamuna Oil Company Limited, but the association said the companies have recently been unable to supply the required quantity.
If the situation persists, most depots may soon face acute fuel shortages that could disrupt exports, delay delivery of imported goods and affect overall port operations, BICDA warned.
The association urged BPC to instruct Padma Oil, Meghna Petroleum and Jamuna Oil to ensure adequate diesel supply to the depots in line with operational demand to safeguard the country’s trade activities.
