India, a significant exporter of refined petroleum products to neighboring nations, is reviewing a request from Bangladesh for diesel supply. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted India’s people-centric approach to relations with Bangladesh, mentioning the supply of diesel from the Numaligarh refinery since 2007 through various modes. A sale purchase agreement was signed in 2017 between Numaligarh Refinery and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for high-speed diesel supply.
The Indian government has also received similar requests from countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives, which are under examination considering India’s energy requirements and availability. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported energy, particularly from the Middle East, is experiencing fuel shortage fears due to global energy market uncertainties. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about potential disruptions in energy supplies for transport, industry, and households in Bangladesh.
The Daily Star reported that fuel stations in Dhaka and Chattogram witnessed long queues as motorists rushed to purchase fuel amid fears of shortages. With around one-fifth of Bangladesh’s crude oil imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions in global energy flows have heightened consumer anxiety. While most refined petroleum products are sourced from Asian suppliers, the uncertainty in energy supplies has increased concerns in Bangladesh.
