Fuel supply from Chattogram to Dhaka via a 250-kilometre underground pipeline began on Saturday, which is expected to cut logistical delays, curb corruption and reduce transportation costs.
Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan inaugurated the project at Padma Oil's Despas Terminal at Patenga.
The pipeline supply is also expected to help save the nation at least Tk 250 crore annually as it can carry 350 metric tonnes of fuel per hour with an annual maximum capacity of 5 million metric tonnes.
The long-awaited project was overseen by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and built by the Army's 24th Engineering Construction Brigade.
According to BPC officials, a record of zero system loss has already been achieved during a successful trial run when five crore litres of diesel were supplied safely without a drop lost.
"Now oil can be delivered quickly and safely from the reservoir to depots across the country," said Project Director Md Aminul Haque.
Currently, fuel supply from Chattogram to Dhaka costs BPC around Tk 326 crore annually, primarily via private oil tankers using waterways.
Now, he said, this cost will drop to just Tk 90 crore.
The system will also nearly eliminate pilferage and system losses which the BPC has to tolerate at 0.17 percent while using tankers.
Officials estimate that total savings, including prevention of pilferage and losses could reach Tk 2.5 billion annually.
The underground pipeline runs from Chattogram through Feni, Cumilla and Chandpur ending in Narayanganj. It crosses 22 rivers and canals, and includes nine stations along its route.
Modern depots equipped with the latest automated technology have been built, including a state-of-the-art facility in Cumilla's Barura area.
This depot will not only serve Cumilla but also supply fuel to Chandpur, Brahmanbaria and nearby regions which are currently served by slower and less secure waterway transport.
All key functions, including oil temperature, weight and distribution will be managed through computerised systems.
A central control room has been set up at Patenga to ensure round-the-clock safety and efficiency.
This facility will monitor the pipeline's operations and security round the clock ensuring quick response to any technical or safety issues.
Initially approved in 2018 with a budget of Tk 2,861 crore, the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was finally completed in March this year at a revised cost of Tk 3,653 crore.
Out of Bangladesh's total annual fuel consumption of 70 lakh tonnes, nearly 30 lakh tonnes are used in Dhaka and Cumilla regions, BPC sources said.
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