Ctg-Dhaka fuel pipeline still stalled, operations may resume this month
Pipeline expected to save Tk226cr annually once fully operational
Highlights:
- Chattogram-Dhaka pipeline suspended over accounting and technical issues
- Fuel shortages forced costlier road and river transport
- Missing diesel detected at Godnail and Fatullah depots
- Pipeline spans 250km, crosses 22 rivers, implemented by army
- Project aims to transport 2.7–5 million tonnes annually
- Operations may resume soon after technical adjustments and trials
Fuel supply through the Chattogram-Dhaka pipeline has remained suspended for more than a month since its inauguration, owing to accounting discrepancies, storage irregularities, and technical faults.
As a result, the much-anticipated project has yet to deliver benefits, with fuel once again being transported via costlier road and river routes.
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Test operations began on 22 June, followed by the formal inauguration on 16 August. However, pipeline supply was halted in mid-September after discrepancies were detected in fuel accounting.
Officials said the issues have now been addressed, and operations may resume in November.
A Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) official said work on the flow meter and wiring is in the final stage. A meeting is scheduled for next week to decide on resuming fuel supply through the pipeline.
"It may reopen this month," the official told The Business Standard on condition of anonymity.
He further said the BSTI calibrated depot tanks to determine storage capacity. The investigation committee will summon BSTI officials, as the issue appears to have originated under their supervision."
Another official said hot fuel enters the pipeline in Chattogram and cools by the time it reaches Dhaka, creating measurement differences. Technical adjustments have been made. A final trial run will take place next week, and full operations will follow BPC's decision.
"Once oil enters the pipeline, it can only exit in Dhaka; otherwise, it remains inside. We have leak-detection technology, and any digging near the pipeline will trigger alerts – making diversion or theft virtually impossible," he told TBS.
Why were operations shut?
Before the shutdown, Meghna Oil sent 32.2 million litres, and Padma and Jamuna Oil each sent around 30 million litres through seven consignments from Chattogram to Dhaka.
Upon arrival at depots in Godnail and Fatullah, at least 50,000 litres were found missing from consignments belonging to Meghna and Padma Oil.
Jamuna Oil also reported a shortage of 3,75,000 litres of diesel at the Fatullah Depot across two instances. Following these findings, pipeline operations were suspended.
Project officials said irregularities were found in fuel accounting, tank storage capacity, and measurement accuracy. As a result, supply was halted, forcing a return to river, rail, and road transport – increasing costs and reviving risks of wastage and theft.
Project overview
Project documents show the initiative, launched in 2016, cost Tk3,699 crore. The 250km pipeline runs from Chattogram's Patenga to Narayanganj's Godnail via Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur and Munshiganj.
It includes a 241.28km main line with a 16-inch diameter, and an 8.29km, 10-inch connection from Godnail to Fatullah. The route crosses 22 rivers and canals, including 10 major rivers, mostly through underground placement beneath riverbeds.
It features nine stations and a 21,000-tonne depot at Borura, and was implemented by the Army's 24 Engineering Construction Brigade.
BPC has not yet officially taken over the project, and operations were suspended before formal handover due to detected faults.
BPC Chairman Md Amin Ul Ahsan told TBS: "We have not yet officially taken over the project from the contractor, the Bangladesh Army. However, we will do so very soon."
Project aim
About 40% of the country's fuel is consumed in the Dhaka division. At present, fuel travels from Chattogram's Patenga to Narayanganj by river and then to Dhaka by road, requiring around 150 vessels a month.
Once fully operational, the pipeline will be able to transport up to five million tonnes of fuel a year, saving an estimated Tk226 crore annually. The project design allows for the transport of 2.7–3 million tonnes, with scope to expand to five million tonnes.
The project aims to cut transport costs, curb theft and wastage, and ensure safe, environmentally friendly delivery. When fully operational, it will supply 2.7 million tonnes – or 317 crore litres – of diesel annually from Chattogram to Dhaka. Annual fuel demand stands at around 6.5-6.8 million tonnes, 63% of which is diesel.
