Amid heightened global energy concerns following escalating tensions in Iran, many countries are facing acute fuel shortages. In this context, Bangladesh has formally requested diesel supplies from India. New Delhi has confirmed that it is reviewing the proposal, though it has emphasised that domestic fuel requirements will take precedence.
According to a report by the Economic Times, the Indian government is assessing Bangladesh’s request carefully. Indian authorities have stressed that any potential supply will depend on the availability of diesel within the country and its refining capacity.
On Thursday, Randeep Jaiwal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated, “The request from Bangladesh for diesel supplies is under review. We are considering the country’s current stock levels and refining capacity before arriving at a decision.” He also noted that similar requests for petroleum products have been received from other countries, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives, which are also being evaluated.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Mahmud Tuku, confirmed that the request for additional diesel is intended to meet emergency needs. Speaking after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Wednesday, Tuku said, “The request is for urgent supplies, but the exact quantity is yet to be disclosed.”
Following the meeting, High Commissioner Verma added that Bangladesh had submitted an official letter requesting energy assistance and that India would discuss the matter internally before making a decision.
Historically, Bangladesh relied almost entirely on Middle Eastern countries for its diesel imports, particularly Kuwait, which once accounted for the majority of shipments. However, over the past two decades, the sources of diesel imports have diversified significantly. Southeast Asian nations have become major suppliers, and India now provides a substantial portion of Bangladesh’s diesel requirements.
According to the National Board of Revenue, in the 2006–07 fiscal year, 91% of the diesel imported by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) originated from Kuwait, while India accounted for only 9%. Over the following decade, Singapore rapidly emerged as the largest supplier, joined by Malaysia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
The current fiscal year (July–February) shows a more diversified import portfolio, with Bangladesh importing approximately 2.3 million tonnes of diesel:
| Source Country | Share of Diesel Imports (%) | Approx. Volume (million tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 41% | 0.94 |
| Malaysia | 24% | 0.55 |
| Other countries (China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, etc.) | 35% | 0.81 |
This shift has substantially reduced Bangladesh’s dependence on Middle Eastern countries, enhancing its energy security. The potential supply from India could further mitigate fuel shortages in emergency situations and strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy.
With global markets remaining volatile, Bangladesh’s diversified sourcing strategy and regional collaboration with India may prove crucial in maintaining stable diesel supplies in the coming months.