Bangladesh has approved the import of 1.8 lakh tonnes of diesel from Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) over the January–December period, strengthening cross-border energy trade linked directly to Assam’s refining infrastructure.
The diesel import, valued at Tk 14.62 billion (approximately ₹10.75 billion), will be handled by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and transported via the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline connected to Assam’s refinery output network.
Bangladesh has approved the import of 1.8 lakh tonnes of diesel from Assam’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited between January and December. The fuel will be supplied through the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline via Siliguri to Parbatipur, marking a major energy trade linkage directly connected to Assam’s refinery infrastructure.
Decision Cleared by the Bangladesh Government
According to Bangladesh media reports, the approval was granted by the Advisory Committee on Government Purchase at a meeting held at the Secretariat, chaired by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.
The decision follows an earlier in-principle clearance given in October by the Advisory Committee on Economic Affairs for importing refined fuel oil in 2026. Based on that clearance, the procurement committee finalised negotiations to source diesel from NRL.
Contract Value and Pricing
Officials said the total contract value has been set at USD 119.13 million. The diesel premium has been fixed at USD 5.50 per barrel, while the base price stands at USD 83.22 per barrel.
The base price will fluctuate in line with international fuel market rates. Payment will be made partly by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, with the remaining amount arranged through bank loans.
Assam’s Numaligarh Refinery at the Core
The diesel will be supplied by Numaligarh Refinery Limited, a major refinery located in Assam and a subsidiary of Oil India Limited.
NRL has increasingly emerged as a strategic energy supplier for India’s eastern neighbours, with Assam positioned as a key refining and export hub.
How the Diesel Will Be Transported
Diesel refined at Numaligarh is first transported to NRL’s marketing terminal in Siliguri, West Bengal. From there, it is delivered to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s Parbatipur depot through the Bangladesh–India Friendship Pipeline.
The cross-border pipeline became operational in December 2022 and is the first energy pipeline connecting India and Bangladesh.
Why This Matters for Guwahati and Assam
Although the refinery is located in Upper Assam, Guwahati remains the administrative, logistics, and policy nerve centre for such large-scale infrastructure and trade decisions in the state.
Energy exports from NRL strengthen Assam’s role in regional economic diplomacy, generate long-term revenue streams, and reinforce the state’s importance in India’s Act East and neighbourhood-first policies.
Officials say the deal also highlights how Assam’s industrial assets are now directly linked to international supply chains.
Strategic Significance
Energy experts note that long-term diesel supply agreements reduce dependence on spot-market imports for Bangladesh while providing assured off-take for Indian refineries.
For Assam, such agreements increase the strategic value of refinery expansion projects and pipeline infrastructure linked to Guwahati-based planning and coordination offices.
What Happens Next
The diesel supply will continue in phases throughout the year, with volumes adjusted based on operational schedules and market conditions.
Officials said further energy cooperation between Assam-based refineries and Bangladesh may be explored depending on future demand and infrastructure capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Assam refinery is supplying diesel to Bangladesh?
The diesel is being supplied by Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), located in Assam.
How will the diesel be transported to Bangladesh?
Diesel will be transported from NRL to Siliguri and then delivered to Bangladesh through the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline to Parbatipur.