Bangladesh to Import 45,000 Tonnes of Diesel from India by April
Bangladesh has announced plans to import an additional 45,000 tonnes of diesel from India, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by April. This move comes as part of efforts to stabilize fuel supplies ahead of the Eid festival.
Immediate Shipments and Future Plans
According to Md. Murshed Hossain Azad, General Manager (Commercial & Operations) of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), 5,000 tonnes of diesel have recently arrived from India, and another 5,000 tonnes are expected around March 18 or 19. He stated, "We have received a proposal to import an additional 40,000 tonnes of diesel from India. Once procedural work, such as opening letters of credit, is completed, this shipment will arrive by April."
Resumption of Pipeline Imports
Diesel imports between India and Bangladesh have historically involved train wagons until the inauguration of the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline in March 2023 by Prime Ministers Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi. This pipeline facilitates regular diesel shipments from Numaligarh Refinery Limited in India to the Parbatipur depot in Bangladesh.
However, imports were halted under the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus. With Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government now in power, imports have resumed through the pipeline, starting with the recent 5,000-tonne shipment.
Context of Fuel Rationing and Eid Preparations
Due to conflicts in West Asia, Bangladesh experienced panic buying at fuel pumps, leading the government to impose sales rationing to control the situation. This restriction has now been lifted to accommodate the Muslim community during Eid, the biggest festival in Bangladesh. The government aims to ensure people can travel easily from cities to villages to celebrate with family and relatives.
Key points about the diesel imports:
- Total additional import: 45,000 tonnes by April.
- Initial shipments: 5,000 tonnes already received, another 5,000 tonnes due mid-March.
- Pipeline used: Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline, operational since 2023.
- Government action: Rationing lifted for Eid travel convenience.
This development highlights ongoing energy cooperation between India and Bangladesh, addressing immediate fuel needs while supporting regional stability.
