Staff Reporter :
The long-awaited Chattogram-Dhaka Fuel Pipeline is set for official inauguration on 16 August, following a series of successful trial operations, according to the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).
“We’ve conducted several successful diesel supply tests from Chattogram to Godnail in Narayanganj. The system is now fully ready. Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan is expected to inaugurate the pipeline on 16 August,” Project Director Aminul Hoque told the media.
In late June, the 250-kilometre pipeline delivered 32,000 tonnes of refined diesel over three days, transporting fuel from Patenga in Chattogram to Narayanganj. Since its test commissioning, it has supplied approximately 4.5 crore litres of oil based on demand.
“The project is now fully prepared for commercial operations,” Hoque confirmed.
The pipeline consists of a 241.28-kilometre, 16-inch diameter segment running from Patenga to Godnail, passing through Feni, Cumilla, Chandpur, and Munshiganj, along with an additional 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch diameter segment connecting Godnail to Fatulla.
Crossing 22 rivers and canals-including 10 major ones-the pipeline has large portions buried beneath riverbeds for security and durability. Officials say once fully operational, the system will save BPC around Tk200 crore annually by cutting fuel transport costs.
Currently, diesel is being pumped directly from the Patenga storage facilities of Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna oil companies to Godnail, with reports indicating smooth and efficient operation.
First conceptualised in 2015 to reduce transport expenses and curb theft, the project gained momentum following a BPC-led feasibility study and the appointment of Engineers India Ltd as consultants. Based on the study, the government took the policy decision to proceed.
In October 2018, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project titled “Supply of Fuel Oil in the Pipeline from Chattogram to Dhaka” with an initial allocation of Tk2,861.31 crore. The pipeline was designed to carry 27-30 lakh tonnes of fuel annually, with provisions to expand capacity to 50 lakh tonnes in the future.
Project delays and subsequent revisions increased the total cost to Tk3,171.85 crore, and later to Tk3,600 crore. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has extended the project deadline to December 2024.
The Bangladesh Army’s 24th Engineer Construction Brigade is overseeing the construction. So far, 241.28 kilometres of the 16-inch main pipeline from Guptakhal in Patenga to Godnail have been laid underground at a depth of five feet for added protection. The 8.29-kilometre, 10-inch link to Fatulla is also complete.
Looking ahead, the BPC has plans to install an additional 59.23-kilometre, 8-inch pipeline from Cumilla to Chandpur to facilitate fuel supply in the Chandpur region.
Once fully functional, the Chattogram-Dhaka pipeline is expected to significantly enhance fuel delivery efficiency, reduce dependency on road tankers, cut transportation costs, ease highway congestion, and minimise the risk of road accidents linked to fuel transport.
