CHATTOGRAM, Mar 8, 2026 (BSS) - Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, 15 cargo ships carrying nearly 250,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fuel oil and industrial raw materials have arrived at Chattogram Port after safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz, port authorities said on Saturday. The vessels departed from various Middle Eastern ports and managed to pass through the strategic maritime route before the conflict in the region escalated. Unloading operations are currently underway at the port. According to port sources, four ships are carrying about 247,000 tonnes of LNG, mainly imported from Ras Laffan Port in Qatar. The LNG will be used to meet the country's growing gas demand for power plants and industries. In addition, one ship has delivered LPG for household cooking, as well as for use in hotels, restaurants and small industries. Several other vessels are transporting furnace oil for power plants, diesel for industrial use and other petroleum products. Some cargo ships have also brought industrial raw materials, including chemicals, petrochemicals and materials used in the plastic industry, which will support the country's manufacturing sector. Port officials highlighted the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital energy transport routes. Any disruption in shipping through the strait due to regional conflicts could significantly affect global energy supplies. The safe arrival of the vessels in Bangladesh before the escalation of conflict has brought relief to the country's energy and import supply chain. Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refaet Hamim said that the 15 ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz before tensions intensified in the Middle East and have now started arriving at Chattogram Port. Among the vessels are LNG tankers "Lusail" and "Al Galael", which are carrying fuel for marine vessels and raw materials required by local industries. These shipments include materials for plastic and petrochemical factories, as well as supplies used in the garment, plastic and chemical industries in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Md. Nurul Alam, Senior Deputy General Manager of Uni Global Business Limited, said that four additional ships are expected to reach Chattogram Port soon. Most of the ships have