249km pipeline launched to streamline oil supply from Ctg to Dhaka
Fuel supply time to drop from 48 hours to just 12 hours, saving estimated Tk226 crore annually
Highlights
- Tk3,653-crore project implemented by BPC
- Pipeline will help prevent oil theft and wastage
- It will significantly cut transportation costs
- Tk226 crore estimated to be saved annually
- Pressure on highways to be eased
- Fuel supply time to drop from 48 hours to 12 hours
A ground-breaking pipeline project today (16 AUgust) officially began operations, providing a more efficient and secure method for transporting fuel oil from Chattogram to Dhaka.
Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, inaugurated the 249.42-kilometre-long pipeline at Padma Oil Company's Despas Terminal in Chattogram at 11am.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Officials expressed hope that the pipeline will usher in a "revolutionary change" in the country's energy supply system by ensuring efficiency, security, and cost reduction.
The Tk3,653-crore project was implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) under the supervision of the 24th Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army.
According to BPC officials, the pipeline will help prevent oil theft and wastage, significantly reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on highways, and cut delivery time. Fuel supply time will now drop from 48 hours to just 12 hours, saving an estimated Tk226 crore annually.
Project Director Aminul Haque said several successful trial runs of diesel supply from Chattogram to Godnail in Narayanganj had already been conducted.
Previously, more than 110 vessels per month were required to transport fuel, costing about Tk326 crore annually. With the pipeline now operational, annual costs are expected to fall to around Tk90 crore, resulting in savings of at least Tk226 crore.
The 250-kilometre pipeline consists of a 241.28-kilometre, 16-inch-diameter main line stretching from Chattogram's Patenga to Godnail via Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, and Munshiganj. An additional 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch diameter connecting line links Godnail to Fatulla in Narayanganj.
Along its route, the pipeline crosses 22 rivers and canals, including 10 major rivers. For durability and safety, most of these crossings were built beneath riverbeds.
