Ctg-Dhaka fuel transportation via pipeline to begin Saturday

On Saturday, Bangladesh is set to formally launch its first-ever underground pipeline-based fuel transportation facility from Chattogram to Dhaka. This landmark project, which has undergone extensive test trials and pre-commissioning, is expected to revolutionize the country’s fuel supply system by significantly reducing transportation time and costs.

The newly built 242-kilometer pipeline is designed to transport fuel oil in a more efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly manner. According to Project Director Aminul Haque, it will transport approximately 260-280 metric tons of diesel from Chattogram to the Godnail depot in Narayanganj every hour. This will reduce the transportation time for that quantity of fuel from over 48 hours via traditional methods (waterways or road) to just 12 hours. The pipeline has an annual transportation capacity of 2.7 to 3 million tonnes, with the potential to increase to 5 million tonnes in the future.

The project is also expected to yield substantial financial savings. Haque stated that the annual transportation cost, which currently stands at approximately BDT 326 crore, will be reduced to just BDT 90 crore, resulting in a yearly saving of over BDT 230 crore. This will help enhance the country’s energy efficiency and security.

The project was implemented by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) through the 24 Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army. While initially approved in October 2018 with a budget of BDT 2,861 crore, the final cost has risen to around BDT 3,699 crore due to implementation delays.

The pipeline includes a 241.28-kilometer, 16-inch diameter section from Chattogram to Narayanganj, and an 8.290-kilometer, 10-inch diameter section from Godnail to Fatulla. The route crosses 22 rivers and canals and required the acquisition of 286.88 acres of land. A modern and automatic depot has also been developed in Cumilla to facilitate the transportation process.

The groundbreaking project is scheduled to be inaugurated by the Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Faozul Kabir Khan, at the Dispatch Terminal in Patenga on Saturday at 11:00 AM.