A shocking revelation has come to light, exposing a massive gap in customs revenue collection in Bangladesh. While private importers are held to strict standards, two state-owned energy giants, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and Petrobangla, have been operating under a different set of rules. This controversial practice has resulted in an unpaid duty and tax bill of over Tk34,000 crore, threatening the country's revenue targets.
Chattogram Custom House, the primary gateway for petroleum and LNG imports, has been severely impacted by this issue. The custom officials have highlighted how the actions of BPC and Petrobangla have directly affected their ability to meet revenue goals.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Petrobangla, with its massive LNG imports, has been accused of releasing cargoes without lawful assessment or payment of duties. In a formal letter, Chattogram Custom House demanded Tk22,048.62 crore from Petrobangla for the period from 2021 to December 2025. According to the letter, Petrobangla imported LNG under 408 bills of entry, paying duties for only 38, while the remaining 370 consignments were cleared without any payment.
This practice, according to the customs authority, violates the Customs Act, 2023, which clearly states that importers must submit bills of entry, complete assessments, and pay all applicable duties before goods are released.
BPC and its subsidiaries, including Padma Oil Company and others, have also accumulated a significant unpaid customs liability of Tk12,347 crore. Between July 2020 and June 2025, these entities imported goods under 7,190 bills of entry, potentially evading duties and taxes.
And this is the part most people miss...
Customs officials have pointed out an 'unequal system' where government-owned importers enjoy operational privileges that private firms do not. While private importers must pay duties upfront, state-owned entities can clear goods without immediate payment, creating a gap in revenue collection.
Energy expert Prof. M Tamim emphasizes that these companies collect duties and taxes from consumers but fail to remit them to the government. He urges the National Board of Revenue to intervene, as releasing imports without paying duties is a clear irregularity.
Petrobangla's Director (Finance), Mizanur Rahman, explains that the situation is complex. He highlights that LNG imports were previously subject to double taxation, with VAT at the import stage and during distribution. However, the government withdrew the import-stage VAT in June 2025, leaving only a 2% advance income tax.
A senior Petrobangla official adds that the main reason for the delay in payments is the chronic delay in government subsidy payments. The company sells gas at a subsidized rate, but the Finance Division's delays have resulted in a cash shortage.
Petrobangla Chairman, Mohammad Reznur Rahman, assures that they are working with the relevant authorities and that some arrears have already been paid. He believes that once the subsidy is disbursed, they will settle the remaining dues.
BPC, on the other hand, maintains that its companies regularly pay their dues, and payments are only withheld when disputes arise over customs claims.
The FY2025–26 budget has further complicated matters by withdrawing import duties on several fuels, including diesel and natural gas, and granting concessions on CNG, NPG, and LNG imports. This has led to a reduction in revenue collection, putting even more pressure on the customs authorities.
This situation raises important questions about the fairness and efficiency of the customs system in Bangladesh. Should state-owned entities be held to the same standards as private importers? How can the government ensure that revenue targets are met while also supporting its energy sector?
What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the current system is fair, or does it need reform? Feel free to share your opinions and insights in the comments below!
