In order to save Tk. 236 crore in transportation costs yearly, the first-ever Dhaka-Chattogram fuel oil transportation pipeline is scheduled to be put into service by the end of January 2025 with the goal of starting commercial operations in April.
“The pipeline would not only ensure the secure transportation of fuel oil but also eliminate costs and misuse of fuel,” chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) Amin Ul Ahsan told BSS.
“It has the capacity to carry 54 lakh tonnes of diesel per year for 25 years without any major disorders,” he said, referring to the Tk. 3698 crore cost of installing the 250-kilometer fuel oil transportation pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka. Just 27 lakh tonnes of fuel oil are needed annually in the capital.
According to the chairman, 65 percent of the nation’s yearly demand for diesel can be met by the environmentally beneficial fuel oil transportation pipeline.
The first subterranean pipeline, which would run from the Patenga neighborhood of the port city to Godnail and then to Fatullah on the outskirts of the capital, is anticipated to save over Tk 230 crore annually in gasoline transportation expenses, according to the project specifics.
It said at present, diesel is transported from Chattogram to the rest of the country by river, rail and road, which causes frequent incidents of oil theft.
According to the project data, work on the fuel oil transportation pipeline from Chittagong to Dhaka began in October 2018 and is expected to be finished by December 2024.
According to the statement, starting in April 2025, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will use the pipeline to carry fuel oil under its own supervision.
It further stated that this project will lower the cost of oil transportation. In addition, the supply system will function more smoothly and environmental pollution can be avoided.
Project records state that the project received approval in October 2018. Traditional means like riverine tankers and railroad carts would still be used to carry gasoline and octane.
The project, which is being carried out by the Bangladesh Army’s 24 Engineer Construction Brigade, spans 8.5 kilometers from Fatullah to the Godnail depot, 59 kilometers between Cumilla and Chandpur, and 250 kilometers between Dhaka and Chattogram.
Additionally, the pipeline sought to reduce fuel theft and syndicates related to lighterage operations, especially at the Godnail terminal, where theft masquerading as waste during unloading has been a problem.
The pipeline is now ready for completion, despite opposition from thieves and owners of lighterage vessels.
In order to guarantee a steady supply of gasoline, northern distributors are being enlisted to help with the irrigation season preparations.
In the past, the northern area—referred to as the country’s granary—had logistical difficulties when it came to fuel transfer, depending on lighterage ships to Baghabari and then tank lorries or railroads for subsequent transportation.
Fuel is mostly imported because Bangladesh does not manufacture it, and lighterage vessels are used because large river ports are difficult to navigate.
It is anticipated that the pipeline will lessen this reliance, simplifying the nation’s energy supply chain.
