The government’s initiative to construct four pipelines across the country to transport oil and fuel is moving at a snail’s pace. Of the planned four pipelines, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, BPC, is constructing three.
Of these, work for one will begin soon. Meanwhile, the pipeline to import diesel from India has been constructed. The three pipelines within the country are: Chittagong-Narayanganj, main depot to Shah Amanat airport and Pitolganj Bridge to Kurmitola aviation depot.
However, there is no progress in the first two lines with work restricted within initial desk work.
It’s believed that the Chittagong-Narayanganj pipeline construction is stalled over complications regarding acquisition of land and feasibility survey.
On the other hand, the construction of jet fuel carrying pipeline from Pitolganj to Kurmitola aviation depot will begin this month.
State minister for power, energy and minerals, Nasrul Hamid, has ordered the making of a video, containing information about pipeline construction.
The prime minister may inaugurate the pipeline in mid-October.
“The Kurmitola line will be constructed for uninterrupted jet fuel supply to the Shahjalal International Airport,” said A BPC official
The 16 km pipeline with a width of eight inches will carry 900,000 tonnes of fuel every year. The Bangladesh Navy has been appointed the contractor for the pipeline.
Since RAJUK and railway permission have been secured, the work of the line can begin without delay.
The longest pipeline is the Dhaka-Chittagong line at a little over 305 km with work divided in three sections.
“At present, aircraft fuel is transported by trucks, which takes a lot of time and results in wastage plus fuel theft,” Former chairman of BPC, Akram Al Hossain told Bangla Tribune
All these concerns will be dispelled once the pipelines are constructed, he assured.