Bangladesh’s long-awaited 250 km Chattogram–Dhaka fuel pipeline has successfully completed its trial run, delivering 52,000 tonnes of diesel from Patenga to Godnail depot. The transmission, carried out over five days starting Sunday evening, marks a major step towards modernizing the country’s fuel transport infrastructure. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) officials report that 32,000 tonnes of diesel were transferred within the first two days, followed by an additional 20,000 tonnes. The pipeline’s current pumping speed stands at 280 tonnes per hour, below its maximum capacity of 350 tonnes per hour. Engineers from the contracting firm are presently training staff from Pipeline Transmission Company Limited (PTCPLC), BPC’s newly formed subsidiary. Throughout the trial, no technical issues were reported, bolstering confidence ahead of full operational status and formal inauguration. Funded by BPC and executed by the Bangladesh Army’s 24th Engineer Construction Brigade, the Tk 3,699 crore project was originally approved in October 2018 with an estimated cost of Tk 2,861 crore. After facing multiple delays from an initial December 2020 deadline to December 2024 the pipeline is finally operational for testing. Once fully commissioned, the pipeline is expected to transport up to 5 million tonnes of fuel annually, streamline supply, boost energy security, and eliminate costly river and road transport. BPC estimates annual savings of up to Tk 200 crore by avoiding logistical losses and pilferage. The pipeline maintains a strategic stock of around 27,000 tonnes between Patenga and Godnail. Future plans include extending the line to Cumilla depot, expanding the network’s reach and capacity. This project is expected to phase out nearly 200 inland tankers and dozens of river vessels currently used each month, which are vulnerable to theft, delays, and escalating operational costs. Industry analysts say that beyond cost savings, the pipeline will reduce transit time, lower environmental impact, and improve supply reliability benefits critical for servicing Dhaka’s vaulting fuel needs. As the trial continues over the next few days, officials await government approval for the formal inauguration. Pending satisfactory outcomes, full commercial operations are expected to begin soon, offering a more secure and efficient energy logistics backbone for the region.
