Fuel shortages in Dhaka, driven by Middle East tensions, pushed Bangladesh to request extra diesel. Years of partnership have turned the Friendship Pipeline into a lifeline.
The 1 MMTPA pipeline, inaugurated in March 2023 by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina, links the Numaligarh refinery to Dinajpur. Since then, Bangladesh has taken 330,087 tonnes, a fraction of the 2 million‑tonne quota agreed in 2018.
This 4,000‑MT load — 47 lakh litres — was the 72nd consignment, moving through the rail line from 9 am on 13 September to 15 September. Operations Manager Md Robiul Alam said the transfer met the urgency of the request.
The shipment underscores how cross‑border energy deals cushion regional shocks. For Bangladesh, the fuel will be diverted to power plants and transport fleets facing acute shortages.
Bangladesh plans to schedule the next consignment for early October, aligning with the pipeline’s seasonal peak demand.