Dhaka: The government of Bangladesh is preparing to import an additional 17,000 tonnes of refined diesel from India this month via the Friendship Pipeline to enhance the nation's energy security. This initiative aims to maintain a stable fuel supply across the country's northern districts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 5,000 tonnes of diesel are scheduled to be pumped tomorrow, with an expected arrival within 4-5 days. The subsequent supply of 12,000 tonnes will be delivered before the end of April. Kazi Md Rabiul Alam, Manager of Meghna Petroleum Limited, stated that the remaining diesel supply will arrive in two phases-7,000 tonnes followed by 5,000 tonnes.
Previously, the government imported 8,000 metric tonnes of diesel, which was delivered to the Parbatipur depot in Dinajpur last Friday. The diesel is sourced from the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam, India, and transported directly to the Padma Oil PLC's Parbatipur depot through the Friendship Pipeline.
Officials have highlighted that the pipeline-based import method significantly reduces transportation costs while ensuring a stable fuel supply for the northern districts. Rabiul Alam confirmed that sufficient stock is being maintained, and the supply chain remains stable, alleviating any concerns of a fuel crisis.
In March, Bangladesh imported 17,000 metric tonnes of diesel from India using the same pipeline infrastructure.