NRL, an Indian refiner, expects normal diesel supply to Bangladesh

The company, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL), said that it does not anticipate any impact on its diesel shipments to Bangladesh due to the political turmoil in Bangladesh.

NRL, the subsidiary of Oil India, awaits its next diesel orders from Bangladesh. These are expected in the second half this month, according to Managing Director Bhaskar J Phukan.

NRL delivers 6,000-7,000 tons of diesel per month from its 60,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), northeastern India refinery to Bangladesh Petroleum through a pipeline that crosses the border.

This month's quota is due at the end of August. Phukan said, "I am confident that it will be business as usual." He added that NRL has "pumped a big batch before the turmoil". He said that "they are already contacting for diesel supplies this month".

The former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled India on Monday, after weeks of deadly demonstrations forced her resignation. A caretaker administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, was sworn into office on Thursday and given the task of holding elections. (Reporting and editing by Helen Popper; Nidhi verma)

(source: Reuters)