India to supply 180,000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh under long-term agreement

Bangladesh will import 180,000 tonnes of diesel from India’s state-owned Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) by December this year at a cost of 14.62 billion Taka (around 119.13 million US dollars ). The decision was approved by the Advisory Committee on Government Purchase , chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed , and the diesel will be brought in by the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) , with part of the payment made directly by BPC and the remainder financed through bank loans.

The import follows a 15-year long-term agreement signed during the previous government’s tenure, providing Bangladesh with price stability and a reliable diesel supply. The cost includes a base price of 83.22 USD per barrel and a premium of 5.50 USD per barrel , which will fluctuate according to international market rates.

The diesel will be transported from NRL’s refinery in Assam to Siliguri , and then delivered to Bangladesh through the Bangladesh–India Friendship Pipeline , which became operational in December 2022. The pipeline ensures a direct, cost-efficient, and reliable fuel supply , reducing dependence on road or sea transport and strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said the import not only helps meet Bangladesh’s domestic energy demand but also deepens bilateral cooperation with India in the energy sector. By securing a stable diesel supply, the move supports power generation, transportation, and industrial needs while promoting economic and strategic ties between the two countries.