Chattogram: The first-ever jet fuel supply through a dedicated pipeline in Bangladesh was officially inaugurated at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram. This development marks a significant milestone in the country’s energy and aviation sectors, as it introduces a modern and efficient method of supplying jet fuel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the six-kilometre-long Jet A-1 pipeline has been constructed by Padma Oil Company Limited, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). This pipeline is designed to transport jet fuel directly from the company’s main installation (MI) at Guptakhal in Patenga to the airport, enhancing fuel delivery efficiency.
The project inauguration was led by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, during a ceremony at the airport. The event was presided over by BPC Chairman Md Amin ul Ahsan and attended by various dignitaries, including Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah, Air Commander of Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque, and other notable officials from BPC and Padma Oil.
During the function, the energy secretary highlighted, “This is the first airport in Bangladesh to receive jet fuel through a dedicated pipeline. The project will ensure modern, eco-friendly, and efficient fuel delivery to aircraft.” He further mentioned that this initiative would reduce risks, lower transport costs, and enhance operational efficiency in aviation fuel management.
The Tk170-crore project, named “Jet A-1 Pipeline from Main Installation (MI) to Shah Amanat International Airport”, commenced on December 19, 2023, and was completed at a cost of Tk155 crore. As detailed by Padma Oil sources, the pipeline comprises 5.77 kilometres of 8-inch diameter pipeline capable of transporting 140 cubic metres of jet fuel per hour. This advancement is expected to reduce the jet fuel delivery time to just 90 minutes, replacing traditional road tankers, and save the company approximately Tk2.5 crore annually.
Anup Kumar Barua, Project Director and Assistant General Manager (Engineering) at Padma Oil, commented, “Transporting jet fuel by road was time-consuming, costly, and posed safety risks. This pipeline will make the supply process safer, faster, and more economical.”