After overcoming mechanical issues, the long-anticipated pipeline-based fuel supply from Chattogram to Dhaka has finally commenced. Originally scheduled for an earlier launch, the fuel transfer officially began late Monday night, marking a transformative step in the country's energy sector. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce system loss and save billions annually. Officials have also confirmed that the country’s first fully automated depot will soon become operational, enhancing fuel storage and distribution efficiency. By 9 PM on the first day of operations, approximately 4.8 million liters of fuel had been transported through the pipeline, which spans 250 kilometers from Chattogram to Narayanganj’s Godnail depot.

The project, implemented at a cost of approximately BDT 25 billion, aims to deliver fuel via pipeline to Cumilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Narayanganj, Dhaka, and surrounding areas. The pipeline, with a diameter of 16 inches, has an annual supply capacity of 5 million tons. Fuel transported from Chattogram will reach Cumilla’s Barura station before being delivered to Narayanganj’s Godnail depot. Seven stations have been established along the pipeline, including a state-of-the-art automated depot in Barura. The depot is equipped with advanced technology to control fuel reception and distribution through computerized systems, monitoring parameters such as weight and temperature, ensuring precision and eliminating manual operations. This advanced system is expected to minimize system loss to almost zero. The automated depot will also supply fuel to Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, and surrounding areas, which currently rely on river transport.

The pipeline project aims to secure energy supply, reduce system loss in fuel transportation, and save the high costs associated with river-based fuel transport. Additionally, it ensures faster delivery of fuel to its destinations. Construction of the 250-kilometer pipeline from Chattogram to Narayanganj and Fatullah in Dhaka has been completed. The project, titled 'Pipeline-Based Fuel Transportation from Chattogram to Dhaka,' received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in October 2016. Initially set for completion by June 30, 2020, the project faced multiple challenges and delays. To expedite progress, the government assigned the Bangladesh Army to oversee implementation under the supervision of Padma Oil Company. The army successfully executed the project, ensuring its completion despite various setbacks.

Operations of the 250-kilometer-long pipeline will be controlled from the SCADA Master Control Station at Chattogram’s dispatch terminal. The system integrates SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), telecommunication networks, and leak detection mechanisms. Additionally, an optical fiber cable line has been installed alongside the pipeline to facilitate real-time monitoring and communication.

According to industry sources, approximately 7 million tons of fuel are consumed annually in Bangladesh, with around 3 million tons used in the Dhaka and Cumilla regions. A significant portion of this fuel is currently transported via private oil tankers through river routes, where large-scale fuel theft and other malpractices have been reported. The introduction of pipeline transportation is expected to replace at least 150 private oil tankers, allowing 3 million tons of fuel to be transported through the pipeline, significantly reducing transportation losses and preventing illicit activities.

The pipeline was originally scheduled to start operations on Monday morning at 11 AM. For this purpose, 8.7 million liters of diesel were transferred from Padma Oil Company’s Tank No. 201 to the project director. However, a mechanical issue with a valve delayed operations throughout the day. Engineers worked persistently to resolve the issue, allowing the fuel supply to commence later that night.

Since Monday night, fuel transfer has been ongoing throughout the day. Initially, 30 million liters of fuel will be delivered through the pipeline, which will take approximately four days to reach Dhaka. This amount will be continuously maintained within the pipeline, with additional fuel pumped in from Chattogram as needed. Within the next few days, the country’s three major fuel distribution companies—Padma Oil, Meghna Petroleum, and Jamuna Oil—will begin supplying fuel from Chattogram to Cumilla and Narayanganj as per demand. By 9 PM on the first day, approximately 4.8 million liters had been transported through the pipeline. Fuel supply from Padma Oil’s Tank No. 201 will continue until depletion, after which the next storage tank will be utilized.

Officials have highlighted that the pipeline-based transportation system will save an estimated BDT 2.5 billion annually in transportation costs alone. Additionally, it will significantly reduce delivery times and enhance supply chain efficiency, benefiting fuel distribution companies. The pipeline will also curb fuel theft and other fraudulent activities, as system loss will be minimized. Security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of the pipeline network, with monitoring systems in place to detect and address any potential threats.

With this groundbreaking development, Bangladesh's energy sector takes a major leap forward, ensuring cost-effective and efficient fuel transportation while addressing long-standing issues of system loss and theft. The government, fuel distribution companies, and industry stakeholders express optimism that this initiative will set a new benchmark for fuel management in the country.