India’s Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday said it would strengthen the energy marketing infrastructure in Bangladesh.

‘After holding bilateral talks with Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Energy Adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday, Indian Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan told his counterpart that India is committed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector’, reported The Hindu.

‘With the commissioning of the Paradip refinery, India would be once again in a position to export petroleum products to Bangladesh through north-eastern region, Mr. Pradhan said seeking cooperation from Bangladesh government. Initially, petroleum products will be exported through trains and later possibilities will be explored for laying pipeline, he pointed out.’

LPG transportation

‘Apart from expressing India’s keenness in setting up of marketing infrastructure in Bangladesh, the minister also sought favourable consideration for transit of LPG to India’s North Eastern region through territory of Bangladesh. Mr. Pradhan conveyed that India PSUs were interested in participating in petroleum sector of Bangladesh, including in exploration and refinery expansion works.’

‘Chowdhury will also be attending the function marking dedication of refinery to nation by Modi at Paradip.’

‘Similarly, Pradhan also held talks with Dr Anoma Gamage, Deputy Minister of Petroleum Resources Development of Sri Lanka, who would also be going to Paradip.’

‘He discussed about expansion of activities of Lanka IOC, subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation, in Sri Lanka, including in the retail business, bunkering operation and marketing of Aviation Turbine Fuel and LPG.’

‘The Union Minister said India was committed to make Trincomalee a regional energy hub.’