Bangladesh will import an additional 45,000 tonnes of diesel from India by April, officials said on Sunday, as the country moves to stabilise fuel supplies ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival.
According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), 5,000 tonnes of diesel recently arrived from India, while another 5,000 tonnes is expected around March 18 or 19.
“We have received a proposal to import an additional 40,000 tons of diesel from India. Once the procedural work is completed—that is, the opening of the LC and other formalities, this 40,000 tons of diesel will also arrive in Bangladesh by April,” said Md. Murshed Hossain Azad, General Manager (Commercial & Operations) at BPC.
The diesel imports are transported through the Bangladesh–India Friendship Pipeline, which connects the Numaligarh Refinery Limited in India to the Parbatipur fuel depot in northern Bangladesh.
The pipeline was jointly inaugurated in March 2023 by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to facilitate cross-border energy trade and ensure a stable supply of petroleum products to Bangladesh.
Also read: Commercial LPG supply begins in 28 states; raids stepped up
Before the commissioning of the pipeline, diesel shipments from India were transported mainly through railway wagons, which was slower and logistically more complex.
Officials said diesel imports through the pipeline had been temporarily halted under the previous interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, but shipments have resumed after the new government headed by Tarique Rahman assumed office.
The decision to increase diesel imports also comes amid heightened fuel demand in Bangladesh in recent weeks.
Authorities had earlier imposed temporary rationing on fuel sales after crowds gathered at petrol pumps following concerns about possible supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia.
However, the restrictions have now been lifted to ensure smoother travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, when millions of people typically leave major cities to visit their hometowns.
Officials said the additional diesel imports are expected to ease supply pressures and ensure adequate fuel availability across the country during the festive travel period.
Follow us
