Bangladesh has received a significant shipment of diesel from India, with a total of 5,000 metric tonnes arriving at the Parbatipur railway depot in Dinajpur over a span of just two days, Monday and Tuesday. The fuel was supplied directly from the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam via a dedicated pipeline. On Wednesday evening (11 March), Parbatipur depot manager Ahsan Habib confirmed that the entire consignment had successfully reached the depot’s storage facilities.
According to Mr Habib, “The direct pipeline from Numaligarh Refinery to Parbatipur railway depot took approximately 60 hours to deliver the diesel, ensuring a rapid and efficient supply.” This pipeline delivery is part of a larger, long-term initiative to maintain uninterrupted fuel availability in northern Bangladesh, particularly for agriculture and diesel-dependent transport.
Pipeline Agreement and Annual Supply
To secure consistent fuel supplies for eight agriculturally intensive northern districts, Bangladesh signed a 15-year pipeline agreement with India on 22 October 2017. The arrangement ensures that diesel is supplied safely and efficiently, bypassing potential risks associated with rail or road transport during political events or natural disruptions.
Under this agreement, Bangladesh is scheduled to receive a total of 180,000 metric tonnes of diesel via pipeline in 2026. The pipeline extends from Numaligarh in Assam to Parbatipur, near the Indian border town of Siliguri, creating a direct and secure fuel corridor.
The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has already received 5,000 metric tonnes of diesel under the agreement up to February 2026. The cost of this supply is estimated at BDT 1,462 crore, with part of the payment financed directly by BPC and the remainder covered through bank loans. Additionally, BPC has proposed the import of another 50,000 metric tonnes of diesel via the pipeline within the next four months, subject to approval by the Ministry of Energy.
Annual Diesel Supply via Pipeline
| Year | Diesel Supplied (Metric Tonnes) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 35,718 | Initial pipeline deliveries commenced |
| 2024 | 28,204 | Moderate supply due to logistical adjustments |
| 2025 | 124,216 | Substantial increase to meet demand |
| 2026 (Feb) | 5,000 | First shipment of the current year |
The pipeline system not only ensures reliable diesel distribution for agricultural irrigation and transportation but also reduces dependency on road and rail, mitigating risks during periods of heightened political activity. Officials anticipate that continued pipeline deliveries will contribute to stability in fuel availability across northern Bangladesh, supporting both economic activity and regional mobility.
This strategic collaboration between India and Bangladesh highlights the importance of cross-border energy partnerships and long-term planning in securing essential fuel supplies.