Ctg-Dhaka oil pipeline to reduce system loss to 0.05%

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) inaugurated the Dhaka-Chattogram oil pipeline on Saturday, marking a major milestone in the country's fuel distribution network. 

The new pipeline is expected to drastically reduce system losses by 0.12% and cut transportation costs by Tk226 crore per annum. 

BPC Chairman Aminul Ahsan told The Business Standard, "We used to tolerate a system loss of 0.17% in tanker operations. Once the pipeline is fully operational, losses will drop to 0.05%, a two-thirds reduction."

Officials added that full-scale operations will reduce fuel supply time from 48 hours to just 12 hours, with annual savings in transportation costs estimated at Tk226 crore.

The state-owned company plans to further lower system losses over time. According to international standards, pipeline-based oil transport typically experiences losses of around 0.005%, and BPC aims to gradually reach this benchmark.

The project, executed under the supervision of the 24th Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army, cost Tk 3,653 crore. The main pipeline stretches 241.28 kilometers with a 16-inch diameter from Patenga, Chittagong, through Feni, Comilla, Chandpur, and Munshiganj, reaching Godnail in Narayanganj. An additional 8.29-kilometer, 10-inch line connects Godnail to Fatulla.

The pipeline crosses 22 rivers and canals, including 10 major rivers. Most sections are laid along riverbeds to ensure stability and operational safety, strengthening Bangladesh's oil supply infrastructure.