Imports of high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) are expected to decline in 2024 due to funding shortages and outstanding payments to importers, following an 11.5% drop in 2023. The country is projected to import approximately 3.5 million tonnes of 180 CST HSFO in 2024, down 9% from 2023.
Private sector imports are anticipated to account for 3 million tonnes, while the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is expected to import around 500,000 tonnes. The reduction is attributed to funding challenges faced by the private sector and the government’s reliance on HSFO for power generation in 2022, which diminished in 2023 due to increased LNG imports and rising prices. The wider Asian HSFO market faces pressure with surplus supplies and reduced demand. Additionally, the commissioning of new coal-fired power plants and plans to boost LNG imports in 2024 will further impact HSFO consumption.