India sends 5,000 tonne diesel to Bangladesh via cross-border pipeline
India is set to deliver 5,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline linking the two nations, according to reports by ANI.
The shipment is being transported from the Numaligarh Refinery in the northeastern Indian state of Assam under a long-term fuel supply arrangement between the two countries.
Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), confirmed that the delivery is part of an agreement under which India supplies up to 180,000 tonnes of diesel annually to Bangladesh through the pipeline.
He said the current shipment is one installment under the deal, which requires Bangladesh to import at least 90,000 tonnes of diesel within the first six months of the supply schedule.
Officials said the 5,000-tonne consignment marks another step in strengthening cross-border energy cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Rahman added that Bangladesh expects to receive additional shipments in the coming weeks and aims to complete the full six-month import target within the next two months if the supply schedule continues smoothly.
The pipeline has significantly reduced transportation costs and delivery time compared with previous fuel imports that relied mainly on ships and road transport.
Meanwhile, Bangladeshi officials have expressed interest in importing additional diesel beyond the minimum contracted amount.
During a meeting in Dhaka on Sunday, India’s High Commissioner Pranay Verma held talks with Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku.
According to officials, Bangladesh is exploring the possibility of purchasing up to 60,000 tonnes of additional diesel available as an optional supply under the existing agreement.
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