Amid growing concerns that the ongoing Middle East conflict could disrupt global energy shipments, Bangladesh has formally requested supplementary fuel imports from India to secure its energy requirements. The appeal, submitted on Wednesday, may result in an increase in diesel supply through both existing pipelines and maritime shipments.
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Official Confirmation
Energy, Power and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud confirmed to journalists at the Secretariat that a formal letter had been sent to the Indian government requesting an increase in fuel deliveries. “We import fuel via pipeline from India. In the current emergency situation, we have requested an increase in supply through the pipeline,” he stated. The precise volume of additional supply will be determined by India and communicated following their review.
Earlier, Minister Mahmud held a courtesy meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Kumar Verma, in Dhaka. Discussions focused on ongoing cooperation in electricity and fuel sectors, including pipeline imports, maritime petroleum shipments, and electricity imports via India and Nepal. Following the meeting, High Commissioner Verma confirmed that India had received the formal request and would evaluate it. He also highlighted the longstanding energy partnership between the two nations.
Current Fuel Supply Agreements
Bangladesh imports diesel and other petroleum products from India under multiple agreements, as detailed below:
| Supplier / Contract | Start Date | Supply Mode | Annual Allocation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Numaligarh Refinery Limited (Pipeline) | 22 Oct 2017 (Operational Mar 2023) | Pipeline | 120,000 tonnes diesel | Optional additional 60,000 tonnes; 5,000 tonnes per batch; 10,000 tonnes delivered in two batches this year |
| Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Maritime) | 2020 | Ship | 105,000 tonnes (Jan–Jun 2026) | Diesel 20,000t, Furnace oil 50,000t, Octane 25,000t, Jet fuel 10,000t |
According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), under the Numaligarh agreement, diesel is delivered in batches of 5,000 tonnes via pipeline, with two batches totalling 10,000 tonnes already received this year. In addition, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) supplies fuel by sea, including diesel, furnace oil, octane, and jet fuel, with 105,000 tonnes scheduled for January–June 2026.
Proposed Additional Supply
Citing global energy volatility, BPC submitted a proposal on 8 March to the Energy Ministry to boost imports from India. The plan suggests:
Pipeline supply: March – four batches totalling 20,000 tonnes; April – five batches totalling 25,000 tonnes; similar volumes in subsequent months.
Maritime supply: Four shipments of 30,000 tonnes each, totalling 120,000 tonnes.
The request is designed to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in case Middle East tensions affect imports from traditional sources. Minister Mahmud emphasised that India’s approval will determine the final quantities.
Strategic Significance
Enhanced fuel imports are critical to Bangladesh’s energy security, particularly diesel, which powers transportation, industry, and electricity generation. Increasing supply from India not only diversifies sources but also strengthens regional energy cooperation amid global uncertainties.
This proactive approach highlights Bangladesh’s commitment to anticipating supply disruptions, maintaining energy stability, and safeguarding industrial and economic activity during a period of heightened geopolitical risk.