India has started sending diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. This move comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing a big fuel shortage. The first batch of 5,000 tonnes of diesel left from the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam on March 10, 2026. It is heading to the Parbatipur depot in northern Bangladesh. This is part of a bigger deal where India will supply 180,000 tonnes of diesel every year. For the first six months, at least 90,000 tonnes will be sent. The chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, confirmed this. He said the diesel will help meet the urgent needs in Bangladesh.
The pipeline is a key link between the two countries. It was opened in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The 131.5 km long pipeline starts from Siliguri in India and goes to Parbatipur in Bangladesh. It can carry up to 1 million tonnes of diesel each year. Before this, diesel was sent by trains or trucks, which took more time and cost more. Now, with the pipeline, the supply is faster and cheaper. The Numaligarh Refinery, run by Bharat Petroleum, makes low-sulphur diesel that meets global standards.
Bangladesh is in the middle of a fuel crisis because of troubles in the Middle East. The war involving Iran, Israel, and the US has made oil prices go up and supplies hard to get. Bangladesh gets 95% of its fuel from other countries. This has led to shortages of gas and diesel. To save energy, the government there has closed all universities early. They brought forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays. Also, they have put limits on how much fuel people can buy each day. This is to stop panic buying. Severe gas shortages have stopped work at four out of five state-run fertiliser factories. The gas is now being used for power plants to avoid blackouts.
In contrast, India has enough fuel stocks. The country has diesel for more than 50 days without any new supplies. There is no rationing here. Indian officials say the supply to Bangladesh will not affect local needs. This help is seen as a way to strengthen ties with the neighbor. But some people in India are not happy. They point to reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. They ask why India is helping when such things are happening. On social media, some users have said the government should focus on home issues first.
Muhammad Rezanur Rahman spoke about the deal. “We have an agreement with India, and according to that agreement, India will supply 180,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh via the pipeline each year. The 5,000 tons of diesel that is arriving now is a part of that agreement,” he told news agencies. He added, “The consignment arriving today is 5,000 tons, and we hope that within the next two months, we will bring in the total diesel amount for the entire six months.” This shows how important the supply is for Bangladesh right now.
The deal for diesel started back in 2017. It is a 15-year agreement. At first, the amount was smaller, but it has grown. For 2026, Bangladesh approved buying 180,000 tonnes at a cost of about $119 million. The price is around Rs 51 per litre, which is less than what people pay in India. The pipeline makes it easy to send the fuel without much hassle. Bangladesh has also asked for an extra 50,000 tonnes because of the crisis.
This is not just about fuel. It boosts the economy in India’s Northeast. The Numaligarh Refinery is expanding. It will make more diesel and other products. This will create jobs and help local businesses. For Bangladesh, it means steady fuel for farms, factories, and transport. Diesel is key for their power plants and vehicles.
But the crisis in Bangladesh is getting worse. Universities are shut, and students are going home early. This is to cut down on electricity use. In cities like Dhaka, long lines at petrol pumps are common. People are buying extra fuel out of fear. The government has tightened security at fuel stations. They have also stopped light displays for Ramadan and independence day to save power.
India’s help has been praised by many. It shows good neighborly relations. Energy cooperation is a big part of India-Bangladesh ties. There are plans for more such projects, like power lines and gas supplies. But critics say India should think about the violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Reports say Hindus there have faced attacks, and some temples have been damaged. This has made some in India angry. One social media post said, “We have an energy crisis here, and the government is sending diesel to Bangladesh while they attack Hindus.”
Despite this, the supply goes on. Bangladesh relies on India for many things, like food and medicine too. The two countries share rivers and borders. Helping each other in tough times builds trust.
Looking ahead, the deal might grow. If the crisis continues, Bangladesh may need more diesel. India can supply it from other refineries if needed. The pipeline can handle more than what is sent now. This could lead to better trade and peace in the region.
Background of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
The idea for the pipeline came in 2015. Both countries wanted a safe way to send fuel. Construction started in 2018. India built 5 km, and Bangladesh built 126.5 km. The total cost was about Rs 377 crore. Bangladesh paid for its part, which was Tk 306 crore. The pipeline has a capacity of 10 lakh tonnes per year. It is made to carry high-speed diesel.
The opening was done online because of Covid. PM Modi said it would help both countries grow. Sheikh Hasina thanked India for the help. Since then, regular supplies have gone through it. Before the pipeline, diesel came by rail from 2016. That was under a deal for 200,000 tonnes in the first three years, then more.
The pipeline cuts transport time. From Numaligarh to Parbatipur, it is direct. No need for trucks or trains that can get delayed by weather or traffic. It also reduces leaks and theft. For India’s Northeast, it means more business. Numaligarh Refinery is key there. It uses oil from Assam fields.
Details of the Current Diesel Supply
The first 5,000 tonnes left on March 10, 2026. It should reach by Wednesday. This is low-sulphur diesel, good for the environment. The deal for 2026 was approved in January. Bangladesh will pay Tk 14.62 billion. The supply is from January to December.
Rahman said they plan to get the full 90,000 tonnes in six months. This is because the crisis is bad now. Bangladesh has asked for extra 50,000 tonnes. India is thinking about it. The pipeline is working well. No issues reported.
India’s oil companies are ready. Numaligarh has expanded. It now makes 3 million tonnes per year. Plans are to make it 9 million by 2025, but that was delayed. Still, it has enough for exports.
The Fuel Crisis in Bangladesh
The crisis started with the Middle East war. Oil prices jumped. Supplies from there stopped. Bangladesh imports most fuel. Gas shortages hit factories. Four fertiliser plants closed. Gas goes to power now.
Universities shut from March 9. Eid holidays start early. This saves power. Fuel sales limited. Cars get 40 litres a day, bikes 10 litres. Panic buying made queues long.
The war in Iran has hit global energy. Bangladesh feels it hard. They rely on Middle East for 95% energy. Costs are up, and supplies down.
Authorities say closing schools cuts demand in cities. But it affects students. Exams may delay. Industries suffer too. Power cuts happen.
India’s Fuel Situation and Policy
India has good stocks. Diesel for 50 days, petrol for 70 days. No shortages. Prices stable. Government says exports won’t hurt home supply.
India helps neighbors. It sent fuel to Sri Lanka before. Now Bangladesh. This is “Neighborhood First” policy. Energy ties strong.
But some worry about own needs. LPG prices up a bit. Some say focus on India. Government says stocks enough.
Public Reactions and Mixed Views
Many praise the help. It shows India cares. On X, posts say it’s good for ties. One user said, “Strong bilateral energy link! 🇮🇳🇧🇩”
But others question. Due to anti-Hindu violence reports in Bangladesh. Attacks on minorities reported. One post said, “Government was angry with Bangladesh for attacking Hindus, but now sending diesel.”
Experts say help is needed. Crisis affects all. India can use it for better relations.
Future Prospects and Broader Implications
The deal may extend. More fuel if needed. Pipeline can take more. Plans for gas pipeline too.
This boosts Northeast economy. More jobs, trade. For Bangladesh, steady fuel helps growth.
In region, it shows cooperation. Amid global crisis, neighbors help each other.
But violence issues need fix. India may talk about minority safety.
Overall, the supply is a positive step. It helps Bangladesh now and builds long-term ties.
FAQs
What is the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline?
It is a 131.5 km pipeline that carries diesel from India’s Numaligarh Refinery to Bangladesh’s Parbatipur depot. Started in 2023, it has a capacity of 1 million tonnes per year. It makes fuel supply faster and cheaper than rail or road.
Why is India supplying diesel to Bangladesh now?
Bangladesh is facing a fuel crisis due to Middle East tensions. India is sending 5,000 tonnes first under a yearly deal of 180,000 tonnes. It helps meet urgent needs there.
How much diesel is planned for 2026?
180,000 tonnes total, with at least 90,000 tonnes in the first six months. Bangladesh may ask for extra 50,000 tonnes.
What caused the fuel crisis in Bangladesh?
War in Middle East raised oil prices and cut supplies. Bangladesh imports 95% of energy. This led to shortages, factory closures, and rationing.
Is India facing any fuel shortage?
No, India has stocks for over 50 days of diesel. No rationing. Supply to Bangladesh won’t affect local needs.
What are the reactions to this supply?
Praised for strengthening ties and helping neighbor. But some question due to reports of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.
How does the pipeline benefit India’s Northeast?
It boosts economy by increasing exports from Numaligarh Refinery. Creates jobs and supports local businesses.