Inauguration of Chittagong-Dhaka Pipeline Marks a New Era in Fuel Supply

The pipeline built to transport fuel directly from Chittagong to Dhaka was officially inaugurated today, Saturday. Following a successful pre-commissioning, this initiative is ushering in a new era in the country’s energy transportation system. Previously, transporting fuel by sea took approximately 48 hours, but now it will reach its destination in just 12 hours through the pipeline.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Despas Terminal of Padma Oil Company in Guptakhali, Chittagong. The chief guest was Faozul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources. Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam and Major General Muhammad Hasan-uz-Zaman, Head of the Engineering Division of the Bangladesh Army, were also present.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), through the Army’s 24 Engineering Construction Brigade, implemented the project. The 250-kilometer-long network, costing approximately 3,653 crore Taka, includes a 241.28 km pipeline with a 16-inch diameter from Chittagong to Godnail in Narayanganj and an 8.29 km 10-inch diameter underground pipeline from Godnail to Fatullah. Along the route, the pipeline crosses 22 rivers and canals, with nine stations, modern depots, and multiple reservoirs constructed.

Project Director Md. Aminul Haque stated that during a test run in February, nearly 5 million liters of diesel were transported without any system loss. Currently, the pipeline can transport 350 metric tons of fuel per hour, with an annual capacity expected to reach 2.7 to 3 million metric tons, and plans exist to eventually increase it to 5 million metric tons.

The pipeline is projected to save at least 22.6 crore Taka annually and will significantly reduce theft and system losses. A control room has been established in Patenga, Chittagong, to monitor every step of the supply process to Dhaka.