Bangladesh has formally requested a special authorisation from the United States to purchase crude oil from Russia, seeking a temporary waiver similar to the one reportedly granted to India. The request was disclosed by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury following a meeting with the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday (11 March) after the meeting at the Planning Ministry in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, the minister said Bangladesh had asked Washington to consider extending comparable flexibility to Dhaka in order to help stabilise its energy supply and ease economic pressure.
According to the minister, the United States has previously provided India with a temporary waiver allowing it to continue purchasing certain Russian oil supplies despite broader sanctions related to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Russia. Bangladesh hopes that a similar arrangement could be considered in its case.
“We have conveyed that granting Bangladesh such an opportunity would significantly support our economy,” the minister said. “The matter will be forwarded to Washington for consideration. We will wait to see what decision is taken.”
Table of Contents
Energy security concerns
The discussion also addressed the volatile situation in global energy markets. The minister noted that uncertainty in the international supply of oil and natural gas has intensified due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts and sanctions affecting major energy producers.
Bangladesh, a rapidly developing economy with growing energy demand, remains heavily dependent on imported fuel to run power plants, transportation networks, and industrial facilities. Fluctuating global oil prices and supply disruptions have therefore become major concerns for policymakers.
Amir Khosru emphasised that ensuring long-term energy security has become a key priority for the government. Diversifying energy sources and securing more affordable supplies are considered essential steps in protecting economic stability and maintaining steady electricity generation.
Broader economic discussions
The meeting between the Bangladeshi minister and the US ambassador also covered a range of broader economic issues. Both sides discussed prospects for expanding bilateral trade, increasing investment flows, and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Another important topic was institutional capacity-building within government agencies. According to officials, cooperation in areas such as policy development, regulatory strengthening, and technical expertise was also explored during the talks.
When asked whether the meeting had produced any concrete decision regarding a potential bilateral trade agreement with the United States, the minister said no specific outcome had been reached.
“A trade agreement is a matter that concerns both countries,” he said. “At this stage, it would be premature for us to make any definitive statement. Our priority is to determine how such arrangements can best serve Bangladesh’s national interests.”
Preparing for prolonged global conflict
The minister also addressed questions about how Bangladesh might respond if current international conflicts persist for an extended period.
He explained that the government is preparing contingency plans based on several possible scenarios, ranging from short-term instability to a prolonged global crisis affecting energy markets and trade routes.
“We are planning for every possible scenario—short-term, medium-term, and long-term,” he said. “Today’s discussions also included detailed consideration of these possibilities.”
Bangladesh’s energy import profile
Bangladesh relies on a mix of imported fuels to meet its growing energy needs. The following table summarises the country’s key imported energy sources and their main uses.
| Energy Source | Primary Use in Bangladesh | Major Supplier Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Crude oil | Refining and transport fuels | Middle East, global market |
| Refined petroleum | Power generation and transport | Singapore, Middle East |
| Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) | Electricity generation and industry | Qatar, Oman, spot market |
| Coal | Coal-fired power plants | Indonesia, Australia |
Energy analysts note that access to discounted Russian crude could potentially reduce Bangladesh’s import costs and help stabilise domestic fuel prices. However, any such arrangement would depend on international regulatory approvals and diplomatic considerations.
For Bangladesh, the request for a US waiver reflects a broader effort to balance energy security, economic stability, and international partnerships amid an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.