Bangladesh has begun receiving an additional 5,000 tonnes of diesel from India through a cross-border pipeline, officials familiar with the development said on Friday, Dhaka Tribune reported.
The fuel is being transported via the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which became operational in 2023 and connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Parbatipur in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh.
This pipeline, spanning approximately 131 kilometers, has a capacity to transport up to 1 million tonnes of petroleum products annually and is designed to enhance energy security for Bangladesh by reducing reliance on maritime shipments.
Indian officials stated that the additional shipment is part of ongoing bilateral cooperation under the India-Bangladesh friendship framework, aiming to support Bangladesh’s energy needs amid regional fuel market fluctuations.
Bangladesh’s Power Division confirmed receipt of the shipment and noted that the diesel will be distributed to power stations and industrial consumers across the northern regions of the country.
The shipment comes as Bangladesh continues to diversify its energy import sources, balancing pipeline imports with traditional seaborne deliveries to ensure stable supply for power generation and transportation sectors.
Both countries have reiterated their commitment to strengthening infrastructure linkages, with the pipeline serving as a key component of broader connectivity initiatives between India and Bangladesh.
Officials from both sides indicated that further discussions are underway to explore increasing the pipeline’s utilization for other petroleum products, including petrol and jet fuel, in future phases.
The additional diesel flow does not currently require new regulatory approvals, as it operates within the existing framework of the bilateral agreement governing the pipeline’s use.
Energy analysts note that such pipeline-based transfers reduce transit time and costs compared to sea routes, while also minimizing risks associated with maritime transport in the Bay of Bengal.
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline remains the first cross-border energy pipeline connecting the two nations, symbolizing a shift toward more integrated regional energy cooperation in South Asia.
No immediate timeline was provided for when the additional 5,000 tonnes will be fully offloaded and utilized, but officials confirmed the process is underway as of the date of reporting.
The shipment underscores the practical implementation of energy diplomacy between India and Bangladesh, focusing on tangible infrastructure outcomes rather than mere diplomatic engagement.
As of the reporting date, no public objections or concerns have been raised by third-party countries regarding the pipeline’s operation or the specific diesel shipment.
Both governments continue to monitor the pipeline’s performance, with joint technical committees meeting quarterly to address operational
