India has sent 5,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh through the cross-border pipeline from the Numaligarh Refinery, according to the Chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), Muhammad Rezanur Rahman.
He said the shipment is part of an agreement under which India will supply 180,000 tonnes of diesel annually to Bangladesh through the pipeline. Under the deal, at least 90,000 tonnes must be imported within the first six months, and BPC expects to bring in the full six-month allocation within the next two months.
During a meeting on March 9, India’s Ambassador to Dhaka Pranay Verma held talks with Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku. Bangladesh also expressed interest in receiving an additional 60,000 tonnes of optional diesel supply under the agreement.
Meanwhile, BPC has formed a monitoring and control cell at central and regional levels to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply. Regional control cells have been set up in Dhaka, Bogra, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal to monitor fuel stocks, supply, sales and diesel prices.
Officials say the pipeline supply will reduce transport costs and ensure faster delivery of diesel, particularly to northern regions of Bangladesh.
