Diesel Shortfall Surfaces Again at Padma and Meghna Fuel Companies

Following earlier discrepancies at Jamuna Oil, fresh shortages of diesel have now been detected at Padma and Meghna depots. Initial assessments suggest that nearly 150,000 liters of fuel cannot be accounted for after being transferred via pipeline from Chattogram to the Godnail depot in Narayanganj.

Authorities are now reviewing whether the issue stems from meter inaccuracies, tank calibration errors, or other technical factors.

Background: How the Fuel Is Measured

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) imports and distributes all petroleum products through its three affiliated companies—Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna. Fuel quantities at depots are still measured using a traditional method involving a dipstick that determines tank depth. Depot staff say that even a 2-millimeter variation in the depth reading can alter the final calculation by more than 1,000 liters, creating room for discrepancies or misuse.

To ensure accurate measurement, meters are installed at both ends of the pipeline, and fuel levels in depot tanks are cross-checked by an independent survey firm appointed by BPC.

What the Numbers Show

According to BPC’s internal data:

On 10 November, Meghna’s depot received diesel through the pipeline.

Chattogram dispatched 25,37,724 liters (measured at a standard 30°C).

The depot recorded 24,22,473 liters on arrival.

The difference: 115,251 liters, amounting to over a 4% loss, even though pipeline transport is expected to have almost zero loss.

On 11 November, Padma’s depot reported a smaller but notable shortfall:

Dispatched: 25,20,770 liters

Received: 24,93,468 liters

Gap: 27,302 liters

Officials note that temperature fluctuations—especially during winter—may affect fuel density and reading accuracy. Others point to possible errors in tank capacity calculations, which have caused confusion at depots in the past.

Official Responses

Meghna Petroleum’s managing director stated that pipeline operations are still in the trial phase, making it difficult to identify the exact cause of the discrepancy. Both ends of the pipeline, he said, may have meter or capacity errors that need recalibration.

Padma Oil Plc’s managing director offered a slightly different picture, saying that based on their meter readings, they actually recorded a small surplus, not a deficit, and that winter temperatures may temporarily reduce dipstick measurements.

Pipeline Project Status

The Chattogram-to-Dhaka pipeline was initiated in 2016 to prevent fuel theft and wastage. After repeated delays, the project finished in March 2025. Its cost rose from an initial 2,861 crore taka to 3,699 crore taka.

BPC has formed a new company—Petroleum Transmission Company (PTC)—to operate the pipeline once it moves out of project phase.

BPC’s Position

BPC’s chairman stressed that the pipeline is still technically under the project authority. Once fully handed over, fuel deliveries will be formally accepted based on meter readings only.

The project director reiterated that fuel cannot “disappear” within the pipeline and suggested the missing quantities likely remain within the supply system at some point along the chain, pending verification.