Chilmari Floating Oil Depot Closure Sparks Fuel and Ag Crisis

Bangladesh's only floating oil depot, located in Chilmari, Kurigram, has faced a complete suspension of oil supplies since 2021. This prolonged closure has triggered a severe fuel crisis and significantly impacted agricultural activities across the region, leaving local communities and industries to grapple with the fallout of halted distribution networks.

The history of fuel infrastructure in the area dates back several decades. In 1988, floating depots operated by three major companies—Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna—were officially launched. These facilities were originally intended to streamline the transport of petroleum products, aiming to route fuel and liquefied petroleum gas rapidly via Baghabari to ensure swift distribution by road across the greater Rangpur and Dinajpur regions, encompassing eight districts in total.

The establishment of the floating depot in Chilmari was initially documented and championed through the writings of Monajatuddin, who noted the positive intentions behind the project. According to his observations, the objective was to facilitate efficient energy transit through the waterways. However, subsequent administrative and infrastructural neglect severely undermined the initiative from the outset.

Despite the establishment of the depot, authorities and relevant agencies failed to construct necessary connecting roads or dredge the surrounding waterways. Consequently, oil barges and tankers find themselves unable to navigate the shallow waters and dock safely at the terminal. During the dry season, when the crisis for diesel and other petroleum products is most acute, Chilmari's floating oil depot remains entirely closed, creating a vulnerability that a certain class of dealers reportedly exploits while officials remain inactive.

The suspension of operations at this critical facility continues to reverberate across the local economy, disrupting regular commerce and agricultural production dependent on a steady supply of diesel. Without urgent dredging, infrastructural development, and resumed operations, the vital energy supply chain for the northern districts remains heavily compromised.