CHATTOGRAM, Apr 15: A severe fuel shortage is disrupting Bangladesh's maritime logistics and fishing sector, threatening cargo handling at Chattogram Port and pushing coastal livelihoods into uncertainty.
Lighter vessels, which transport goods from mother vessels at the port's outer anchorage to inland destinations, are struggling to secure diesel amid reduced supply from state-run fuel companies. Fishing trawlers are also being forced to remain idle or cut short their trips, leading to a sharp fall in fish supply.
According to the Bangladesh Water Transport Coordination Cell (BWTCC), lighter vessels require around 2.50 lakh litres of diesel daily to maintain operations. However, current supply stands at only 60,000-70,000 litres, creating a significant shortfall.
There are around 1,200 registered lighter vessels in the country, with about 1,050 operating regularly. On average, 70-80 vessels are engaged daily in transporting goods. Industry insiders warn that if the shortage persists, cargo handling operations at the port could face serious disruption.
* Lighter vessels getting only 60,000-70,000 litres of diesel
against 2.5 lakh litres demand
* 30-40pc drop in marine fish catch in coastal areas
* Livelihoods of thousands under threat amid crisis
BWTCC President Haji Shafik Ahmed said the crisis has already hampered loading and delivery operations. "We have written twice to the ministry, but no solution has come yet," he said, warning of a potential halt in port activities.
He added that transporting goods by road is significantly more expensive, costing Tk 2,000-2,500 per tonne compared with around Tk 500 by river routes.
The impact of the fuel shortage has spread rapidly to the fishing sector. Many trawlers are stranded along the Karnaphuli River, unable to venture into deep sea due to lack of diesel.
Fishing boats, which typically require 1,800-2,000 litres of fuel per trip, are either staying ashore or returning early. Larger vessels needing up to 4,000 litres are facing even greater difficulty.
As a result, marine fish catch has dropped by 30-40% in coastal areas such as Bashkhali and Sitakunda, according to fisheries officials. Fish supply at major markets has declined, triggering price increases.
The Marine Fisheries Office estimates that nearly 29,000 small trawlers operate in shallow waters, while 268 commercial vessels fish in deeper areas, with 234 currently active.
The crisis is affecting a wide range of related sectors, including traders, labourers, transport workers and ice plant operators, putting the livelihoods of thousands at risk.
Fishermen say the situation is further worsened by an upcoming 58-day government ban on marine fishing from mid-April, aimed at conserving fish stocks. The combined impact of fuel shortages and the seasonal ban has deepened uncertainty across the sector.
The shortage is part of a broader energy crisis, with long queues reported at filling stations across the country. While motorists previously waited two to four hours, some are now queuing for up to 36 hours.
Despite official assurances, supply disruptions are affecting transport of goods, including agricultural produce and industrial materials.
Experts warn that Bangladesh's heavy dependence on imported fuel makes it vulnerable to global supply shocks. Without urgent measures to secure fuel imports and stabilise supply, the crisis could intensify further during the peak summer months.
