Representational Image.

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) - The first-ever jet fuel supply through a dedicated pipeline in the country was officially inaugurated today at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's energy and aviation sectors.

The six-kilometre-long Jet A-1 pipeline has been constructed by Padma Oil Company Limited, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), to transport jet fuel directly from its main installation (MI) at Guptakhal in Patenga to the airport.

The project was inaugurated by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, at a ceremony held at the airport.

The programme was presided over by BPC Chairman Md Amin ul Ahsan. 

Among others, Air Vice Marshal Haider Abdullah, Air Commander of Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque, BPC Director Dr AKM Azadur Rahman, Shah Amanat International Airport Director Group Captain Sheikh Abdullah Alamgir, Padma Oil Managing Director Md Mofizur Rahman, and Project Director Engineer Amit Kumar Barua attended the event.

Speaking at the function, the energy secretary said, "This is the first airport in Bangladesh to receive jet fuel through a dedicated pipeline. The project will ensure modern, eco-friendly, and efficient fuel delivery to aircraft."

He added that the initiative would reduce risks, cut transport costs, and improve operational efficiency in aviation fuel management.

The Tk170-crore project, titled "Jet A-1 Pipeline from Main Installation (MI) to Shah Amanat International Airport", began on December 19, 2023, and was completed at a cost of Tk155 crore, according to Padma Oil sources.

The pipeline comprises 5.77 kilometres of 8-inch diameter pipeline capable of transporting 140 cubic metres of jet fuel per hour. It is expected to reduce the jet fuel delivery time to just 90 minutes, replacing traditional road tankers, and save the company approximately Tk2.5 crore annually.

Anup Kumar Barua, Project Director and Assistant General Manager (Engineering) at Padma Oil, said, "Transporting jet fuel by road was time-consuming, costly, and posed safety risks. This pipeline will make the supply process safer, faster, and more economical."