Bangladesh Seeks Higher Diesel Supplies from India Amid Global Supply Disruptions

Bangladesh has reportedly approached India seeking higher diesel supplies through the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline as it faces pressure on energy availability. Reports indicate the request was raised during a recent meeting between Bangladesh’s finance minister, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and India’s high commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma. 

The request comes at a time when global oil shipments have been affected by disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia. Bangladesh has been sourcing petroleum products from India for several years. 

Recent Diesel Shipment Through Pipeline 

Around 5,000 metric tonnes of diesel are currently being transported from India to Bangladesh through the cross-border pipeline. Reports said pumping began at about 3:20 pm from the Numaligarh Refinery Limited in Assam. 

The fuel consignment is expected to reach the Parbatipur depot in Dinajpur within roughly 44 hours. Diesel moving through the pipeline is said to support fuel needs in several northern districts of Bangladesh. 

Pumping Rate and Delivery Schedule 

Reports citing Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) data said diesel is being pumped at a rate of about 113 metric tonnes per hour. At that pace, the entire shipment is expected to reach the depot by Wednesday evening. 

The supply forms part of a long-term arrangement between the 2 countries. Diesel transported through the pipeline is used for transport, power generation and agricultural activities in northern Bangladesh. 

Pipeline Infrastructure  

The Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline is about 131 kilometres long and connects the Siliguri Marketing Terminal in India with the Parbatipur storage facility in Bangladesh. The pipeline was developed to enable faster and more economical fuel transport between the two countries. 

Existing Trade 

Before the pipeline became operational, diesel was moved from the refinery to Bangladesh by railway wagons. The project was built at an estimated cost of about ₹377 crore, with India funding the Bangladesh portion worth around ₹285 crore through grant assistance. 

Read More: Government Introduces 60-Day Clearance Window for Select FDI Proposals from Border Countries! 

Conclusion 

The pipeline has a capacity of about 1 million tonnes of fuel per year, though current supply levels remain lower. India currently supplies roughly 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh annually through this route. 

Bangladesh has also proposed importing an additional 50,000 metric tonnes of diesel over the next four months through the same pipeline. The request remains under consideration. 

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