250km Ctg-Dhaka fuel pipeline set for 16 August launch
Authorities aim to transport 27-30 lakh tonnes of fuel annually, with future capacity to handle up to 50 lakh tonnes.
The long-awaited Chattogram-Dhaka fuel pipeline is set to be inaugurated on 16 August, following several successful trial runs, said the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation.
"We've completed several successful diesel supply trials from Chattogram to Godnail in Narayanganj. The pipeline is ready. Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan is expected to officially launch it on 16 August," Project Director Aminul Hoque told The Business Standard.
In late June, the 250-kilometre pipeline transported 32,000 tonnes of refined diesel over three days from Chattogram's Patenga to Narayanganj. Since its commissioning, the system has moved 4.5 crore litres of oil on demand.
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"The project is now fully prepared for commercial operations," Hoque said.
Technical route and structure
The pipeline comprises a 241.28-kilometre, 16-inch diameter segment from Patenga to Godnail, running through Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur and Munshiganj; and a shorter 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch diameter segment linking Godnail to Fatulla.
The route crosses 22 rivers and canals, including 10 major rivers, with significant portions laid beneath riverbeds for security and stability.
Officials say the fully operational system will save the BPC around Tk200 crore annually by reducing fuel transport costs.
Currently, diesel is pumped directly from the storage tanks of Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna oil companies in Patenga to Godnail, with the process reported to be smooth and without complications.
From plan to reality
The pipeline was first planned in 2015 to reduce transportation costs and prevent theft. That year, the BPC carried out a feasibility study and appointed Engineers India Ltd as consultants. Following the study, a policy decision was made to move forward.
In October 2018, the executive committee of the National Economic Council approved the project, "Supply of Fuel Oil in the Pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka", with an initial budget of Tk2,861.31 crore.
The design aimed to transport 27-30 lakh tonnes of fuel annually, with future capacity to handle up to 50 lakh tonnes.
Delays, cost revisions, and Army supervision
Delays and subsequent cost revisions pushed the project budget to Tk3,171.85 crore, and later to Tk3,600 crore. The energy and mineral resources ministry extended the project deadline to December 2024.
The 24th Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army is supervising construction.
So far, 241.28 kilometres of the 16-inch pipeline have been installed from Guptakhal in Patenga to Godnail, buried five feet underground for added security.
An additional 8.29 kilometres of 10-inch pipeline to connect Godnail with Fatulla is also ready.
Future expansion plans
As part of future development, the BPC plans to install a 59.23-kilometre, 8-inch diameter pipeline from Cumilla to Chandpur to facilitate oil distribution to the Chandpur region.
Once fully operational, the Chattogram-Dhaka pipeline is expected to improve fuel delivery times, ease road traffic congestion, reduce transportation costs, and lower the risk of accidents associated with fuel transport by road tankers.
