The first overseas office of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), headquartered in Assam, inaugurated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pranay Verma, the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, officially opened the Liaison Office of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Dhaka.

The inauguration ceremony of the office took place in the presence of Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, Managing Director of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). Also attending the event were Khalid Ahmed, Director (O&P) of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), Md. Tipu Sultan, Managing Director of Meghna Petroleum Ltd, and senior officers of NRL. This marks the NRL's first overseas office.

High Commissioner Pranay Verma highlighted that India and Bangladesh have achieved remarkable progress in enhancing bilateral relations over the past decade. He noted that a significant aspect of this transformation is evident in the increased bilateral trade, economic engagement, and connectivity links between the two countries.

He added that cooperation in the Power & Energy sector has emerged as a significant aspect of this comprehensive relationship, with the Friendship Pipeline serving as evidence of the expanding partnership in this crucial sector.

The India – Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project, jointly inaugurated virtually by the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on 18th March 2023, marks the first cross-border pipeline for supplying petroleum products to Bangladesh.

This pipeline has the capacity to transport One Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel and has been completed at an estimated total cost exceeding INR 375 Crore. Of this amount, over Rs 285 Crore has been allocated for constructing the Bangladesh portion of the pipeline under a Government of India grant.

Since the pipeline's inauguration last year, Bangladesh has received 42 TMT of diesel valued at USD 34 million (INR 282 crore). The completion of the pipeline has facilitated a faster and more economical cross-border supply of High-Speed Diesel, with a minimal carbon footprint. This establishes a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective method of transporting High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh.

NRL Wax, renowned for its purity and superior quality, is exported to 43 countries globally, with Bangladesh being one of the importers. As part of its ongoing mega Refinery Expansion project, NRL is establishing a PolyPropylene Unit for Petrochemicals production. Additionally, the company is actively exploring the Bangladesh market, given its geographical proximity to the North East of India.

The establishment of NRL's Liaison Office in Bangladesh will enhance the facilitation of the aforementioned collaborations.

Image source: Economic Times