Padma Oil Company Limited, the country’s sole supplier of jet fuel, has launched an investigation after approximately 72,000 litres of jet fuel sent from its Narayanganj’s Godenail depot to Kurmitola could not be accounted for, raising concerns within Bangladesh’s fuel supply chain.
Managing Director Mofizur Rahman said the company initiated an inquiry immediately after the discrepancy was detected. A three-member investigation committee has been formed and asked to submit its findings within seven days, he said.
According to Padma Oil sources, four consignments (lorry) of jet fuel were dispatched last week from the Godenail depot to the Kurmitola depot. However, the shipments were not recorded as having arrived at their destination.
Shafiqul Azam, deputy general manager (audit) of Padma Oil and head of the investigation committee, told Times of Bangladesh that the probe began on Saturday morning.
The drivers of the four fuel tankers linked to the consignments have already been questioned.
Shafiqul said, “We are also reviewing the stock records at the Kurmitola depot. Only after completing the investigation, it will be possible to determine where the fuel went.”
Officials estimate that the four lorries were carrying a total of around 72,000 litres of jet fuel.
Bangladesh consumes roughly 2,000 tonnes of jet fuel per day to support domestic and international aviation operations.
The incident comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing pressure on its energy supply amid global fuel market disruptions. The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has pushed global oil prices higher and disrupted fuel shipments, creating uncertainty in energy markets worldwide.
In response to the broader energy crunch, Bangladesh has implemented several emergency measures in recent weeks, including fuel rationing at filling stations, limits on daily fuel purchases, and steps to conserve electricity.
The country relies heavily on imported energy — about 95 percent of its fuel demand — making it particularly vulnerable to global supply disruptions.
Authorities have also increased fuel supply allocations to major cities and continued importing additional diesel shipments to stabilise the market.
Jet fuel, which has properties similar to kerosene, must be stored and transported under controlled temperature conditions to maintain safety and quality.
Following the disappearance of the jet fuel shipment, MD Mofizur said all fuel-carrying tankers operated by the company have now been placed under enhanced monitoring as a precautionary measure.
