Country’s Fuel Supply Under the Grip of Fascist Networks

Eleven shipments scheduled for delivery under government-to-government (G2G) contracts this November have reportedly become uncertain after suppliers expressed their inability to deliver the fuel on time. Among them, Unipac (Singapore) was scheduled to supply three diesel shipments and one jet fuel shipment on November 19, 21, 22 and 24. Indonesia’s PT Bumi Siak Pusako (BSP) was due to deliver diesel on November 28, PetroChina International (Singapore) was scheduled to supply diesel on November 10, and Oman’s OQ Trading Limited (OQT) was due to deliver motor gasoline (mogas) on November 23.

The shipments were expected to arrive in Bangladesh this month to meet the country’s fuel demand in December. However, several suppliers have expressed their inability to deliver the scheduled shipments. As all the companies are reportedly linked to a businessman close to the ousted Awami League government, many are questioning whether the developments are connected.

They suspect that the timing may not be coincidental, as fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December. They believe a broader conspiracy may be behind the supply disruptions. It is therefore important to investigate whether the businessman, who is reportedly close to the former ruling party, is involved in attempts to put the government in a difficult position. Otherwise, the country could face a serious crisis.

Asked about the matter, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Chairman Dr Rafiqul Islam told The Daily Inqilab, “I don’t think there could be any conspiracy. However, we will look into the matter.”  When asked why the contract was again awarded to Dr Ejazur Rahman’s company, he said, “We cannot go beyond the enlisted companies. However, tenders have been invited to enlist new companies, and we believe several new companies will be added to the list.”

According to sources, although the long-term contract was cancelled, BPC is preparing to award the same company, which is reportedly close to the Awami League, contracts to supply diesel and jet fuel at higher rates. Many believe that relying on the company could expose the country to serious risks. They also allege that major irregularities have taken place in the procurement process. The tenders were issued in great secrecy, and Bangladesh may have to pay hundreds of crores of taka more than necessary.

Under the long-term contract, the premium was $9.50 per barrel for diesel and $10.15 for jet fuel. Under the open tender method (OTM), the same company is set to receive $16.68 per barrel for diesel and $17.88 for jet fuel. Under Package-2, Vitol Asia, a company owned by the businessman in question, has received the contract to supply 230,000 tonnes of diesel and 40,000 tonnes of jet fuel. Several other packages are also involved. For Package-2 alone, Bangladesh will have to pay an additional $14.793 million. At an exchange rate of Tk 123 per dollar, the extra cost amounts to around Tk 182 crore for a single shipment.

The procurement process has also allegedly disregarded a decision of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase. In September, BPC finalised a proposal to import 605,000 tonnes of diesel and 90,000 tonnes of jet fuel through the OTM process. The proposed premiums were $14.85 per barrel for diesel and $16.49 for jet fuel. The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase returned the proposal without approval, citing the premiums as too high.

However, even higher premiums have reportedly been set in the tenders issued in secrecy. The contracts have gone to the company of Dr Ejazur Rahman, who is known to be close to the former Awami League government. According to BPC data, a total of 5.51 million tonnes of refined fuel were contracted for import through G2G agreements and open tenders in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Of this amount, nearly 4.3 million tonnes were awarded to companies whose local representatives or business connections are reportedly controlled by Dr Ejaz’s firms.

Tender conditions were allegedly designed in ways that made it difficult for companies other than Ejaz’s to qualify. Some of the conditions were so restrictive that even British Petroleum would have been disqualified. One such condition required suppliers to have a record of delivering a specified volume of fuel annually to seven Asian countries. These unusual requirements have allegedly allowed Ejaz’s syndicate to maintain exclusive control over the market. New companies attempting to enter the market have reportedly been pushed out through the influence of his associates.

Despite the change of government, the situation has largely remained unchanged, as the list of suppliers unable to deliver shipments in November also appears to indicate. Tender documents for the June-August period show that BPC had planned to import between 925,000 and 1.15 million tonnes of refined fuel through four packages over three months.

Under Package PG-1, Unipac Singapore received the contract to supply 320,000 to 390,000 tonnes of diesel and 70,000 to 90,000 tonnes of jet fuel.
Under Package PG-2, Vitol Asia received the contract to supply 300,000 to 340,000 tonnes of diesel and 60,000 to 80,000 tonnes of jet fuel.
Under Package PG-3, Trafigura received the contract to supply 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes of furnace oil.
Under Package PG-4, Vitol Asia again received the contract to supply 25,000 to 50,000 tonnes of octane.

A clear indication of how Dr Ejazur Rahman’s business allegedly benefited at the state’s expense during the previous government emerged after the change of power. In the second half of 2025, from July to December, Bangladesh saved $42 million after reducing the premium costs of fuel imported under G2G arrangements.

According to the latest BPC data, 11 foreign companies are currently enlisted as fuel suppliers. They are:
1. Unipac Pte Ltd, Singapore
2. PT Bumi Siak Pusako (BSP)-Japan, Indonesia
3. Petco Trading Labuan Company Limited (PTLCL), Malaysia
4. PTT International Trading Pte Ltd, Thailand
5. OQ Trading Limited (OQT), Oman
6. PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd, China
7. Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), United Arab Emirates
8. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), India
9. Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), India
10. Vitol Asia Pte Ltd, Singapore
11. Sinochem International Oil (Singapore) Pte Ltd
These companies supply refined fuel to BPC through G2G agreements and open tender procedures.

BPC’s liaison office is located on the 10th floor of the BTMC Building in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. Dr Ejaz’s Transbangla Commodities is on the eighth floor, while the office of 7 Mark is on the seventh floor of the same building.