Bangladesh Seeks Extra Fuel Supplies from India

Amid concerns that the ongoing Middle East conflict could disrupt global energy shipments, Bangladesh has formally requested additional fuel imports from India to secure its energy needs. The move, announced on Wednesday, could lead to an increase in diesel supply through existing pipelines and maritime shipments.

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 said. The extent of the additional supply will be determined by India, with the volume to be clarified upon approval.

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 shipments of petroleum, and electricity imports via India and Nepal. Following the meeting, High Commissioner Verma confirmed that India had received the formal request and would consider the proposal. He highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries in energy and electricity.

Existing Fuel Supply Agreements

Bangladesh currently imports diesel and other petroleum products from India under multiple agreements:

According to Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), under the Numaligarh Refinery agreement, diesel is delivered in batches of 5,000 tonnes via pipeline. This year, two batches totalling 10,000 tonnes have already arrived. In addition, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) supplies fuel by sea, with 105,000 tonnes scheduled for January–June 2026, including diesel, furnace oil, octane, and jet fuel.

Proposed Additional Supply

Citing global energy volatility, BPC submitted a proposal on 8 March to the Energy Ministry to increase 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 aims to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the event that the Middle East conflict constrains imports from traditional sources. Minister Mahmud emphasised that India’s decision will determine the final quantities.

Strategic Importance

The increased fuel imports are crucial for Bangladesh’s energy security, particularly diesel, which powers transportation, industries, and electricity generation. Expanding imports from India not only diversifies supply sources but also strengthens regional energy cooperation amid global uncertainties.

This proactive approach reflects Bangladesh’s efforts to anticipate supply disruptions, maintain energy stability, and protect industrial and economic activity in a period of heightened geopolitical risk.