India has started supplying 5,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline connected to the Parbatipur depot, as part of an existing bilateral agreement to deliver 180,000 tonnes of diesel annually to the neighbouring country.
The shipment, which began pumping on Monday from India’s Numaligarh refinery in Assam, is expected to reach Bangladesh within roughly 44 hours, according to officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). The delivery comes at a time when Bangladesh is grappling with fuel supply concerns amid global energy disruptions and domestic reports of hoarding.
BPC chairman Muhammad Rezanur Rahman confirmed that the current consignment forms part of the scheduled imports under the agreement, with 90,000 tonnes expected to be delivered within six months. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has launched enforcement drives and imposed supply limits to curb illegal stockpiling and black-market fuel sales.
Cross-Border Pipeline Supply Strengthens Energy Cooperation
The latest diesel shipment is being transported through the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline, a cross-border energy corridor linking India’s Siliguri marketing terminal and refinery network with Bangladesh’s Parbatipur depot in Dinajpur. The pipeline, inaugurated in 2023, spans roughly 131 kilometres and has the capacity to transport about 200,000 tonnes of diesel annually, significantly improving supply efficiency between the two countries.
Confirming the delivery, BPC chairman Muhammad Rezanur Rahman told ANI that the consignment is part of a long-term agreement between India and Bangladesh aimed at ensuring stable fuel supply for the country’s northern regions. “We have an agreement with India, and according to that agreement, the country will supply 180,000 tonnes of diesel annually through the pipeline.
The 5,000 tonnes arriving now is part of that arrangement,” he said. Rahman further noted that Bangladesh plans to import at least 90,000 tonnes within the first six months of the agreement cycle, adding that the authorities hope to bring in the full six-month quota within the next two months to stabilise domestic fuel stocks.
Officials from BPC also explained the technical process behind the transfer. According to Muhammad Morshed Hossain Azad, general manager of the corporation’s commerce and operations division, the pumping of diesel from India began at 3:20 pm on Monday, with approximately 113 tonnes being transported every hour, meaning the full shipment should reach Bangladesh within about 44 hours.
The pipeline has replaced earlier logistics methods that relied on rail wagons to transport diesel from India’s Numaligarh refinery to Bangladesh since 2016. Energy officials have noted that the direct pipeline has reduced transportation costs, improved efficiency and ensured quicker delivery of fuel, particularly to Bangladesh’s northern districts, which rely heavily on imported energy supplies.
Fuel Monitoring Intensifies Amid Hoarding Concerns And Global Disruptions
The arrival of the diesel shipment comes as Bangladesh faces mounting concerns over fuel availability. The country relies heavily on imported energy nearly 95% of its fuel needs are met through imports making it particularly vulnerable to global supply disruptions and price volatility. Recent geopolitical tensions affecting oil shipments from the Middle East have further strained supplies and driven authorities to seek additional sources of fuel.
In response, Bangladesh has taken a series of measures to stabilise the domestic fuel market. The government has imposed supply limits based on vehicle categories, while also launching inspections across petrol pumps and fuel depots after reports emerged that some traders were illegally hoarding diesel to create artificial shortages in the market.
In a statement, the country’s energy ministry said that “unscrupulous traders” were stockpiling fuel and selling it beyond government-approved limits, sometimes diverting it to the black market or smuggling it for profit. Authorities warned that such practices not only distort supply but also risk worsening shortages for ordinary consumers.
To counter these activities, mobile court drives led by executive magistrates have been deployed in various parts of Dhaka and other cities to monitor compliance with government regulations. During recent inspections, officials found that City Filling Station in Tejgaon had run out of fuel and would resume operations once fresh supplies arrived, while Clean Fuel in the same area was operating within the approved guidelines, indicating mixed levels of compliance across the sector.
Beyond the Indian pipeline supply, Bangladesh has also been exploring additional fuel imports from other global suppliers to maintain reserves and prevent shortages. According to officials, the country has already secured shipments from international traders and is in discussions with energy companies to ensure that diesel stocks remain sufficient for at least the coming months.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The diesel shipment underscores how regional cooperation can play a crucial role in addressing economic and energy challenges in South Asia. Energy supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions and global market fluctuations, making collaborative solutions between neighbouring countries more important than ever. India and Bangladesh’s pipeline partnership demonstrates how infrastructure connectivity and bilateral agreements can help ensure timely access to essential resources while reducing logistical costs and delays.
However, the situation also highlights the importance of transparent governance and responsible market regulation. While international cooperation can stabilise supply, domestic enforcement against hoarding, black-market trading and artificial shortages remains equally critical to ensure that essential resources reach citizens fairly.
