Bangladesh to import 45,000 tonnes diesel from India:Supply via Friendship Pipeline by April; shortages ease before Eid

Bangladesh has decided to import additional diesel from India to meet its energy needs. A total of 45,000 tonnes of diesel will reach Bangladesh from India by April. Out of this, the first consignment of 5,000 tonnes has already arrived, while the next shipment is expected by March 18 or 19. Mohammad Murshed Hossain Azad, General Manager (Operations) of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), said a proposal has been received to import an additional 40,000 tonnes of diesel. This consignment will also arrive by April after the Letter of Credit (LC) and other formalities are completed. Supply halted after coup in Bangladesh To improve diesel supply between India and Bangladesh, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) was inaugurated in March 2023. The project was virtually launched by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, diesel was transported by rail wagons, which was costly and time-consuming. However, last year, the pipeline supply stopped after political changes in Bangladesh during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Situation changed with the arrival of Tariq Rahman’s government After the recent elections in Bangladesh, when the government led by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman came to power, energy cooperation with India resumed. In the past few days, the supply of 5,000 tonnes of diesel through the pipeline has restarted. The fuel is being sent directly from India’s state-owned Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to Bangladesh’s Parbatipur depot. Oil shortage increased due to tension in West Asia Tensions in West Asia and the war between Israel and Iran raised fears of a fuel shortage in Bangladesh. Large crowds gathered at petrol pumps, and people began panic-buying fuel. To control the situation, the government introduced rationing and limited fuel sales. Now, after supplies from India have resumed, the government has lifted these restrictions. Officials say the country now has enough fuel stock and there is no need to panic. Decision taken for Eid holidays Eid is the biggest festival in Bangladesh. During this time, millions of people travel from cities to their villages. To ensure smooth travel and avoid inconvenience to the public, the government decided to end fuel rationing. With more diesel available, buses and other vehicles will find it easier to refuel. What is the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline?