India to Supply Diesel to Bangladesh if Available

Amid escalating global energy tensions triggered by the potential for a U.S. strike on Iran, many countries are facing acute fuel shortages. In this context, Bangladesh has formally requested India to supply additional diesel to meet its urgent requirements. New Delhi has confirmed that it is reviewing the proposal, while emphasising that India’s domestic energy needs will take priority.

According to Indian media reports, including The Economic Times, Bangladesh’s request for diesel imports is currently under examination by Indian authorities. The Indian government has made it clear that while it is considering support to neighbouring nations, domestic consumption and supply stability remain the foremost priorities.

On Thursday, Randeep Jaiwal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said: “The request from Bangladesh for diesel supply is under consideration. Any decision will be made after evaluating the country’s current diesel availability and refining capacity.” He added that India has also received petroleum supply requests from countries such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, which are being carefully assessed.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Mahmud Tuku, confirmed that Dhaka has sought additional diesel for emergency preparedness. Speaking after a meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, Tuku told reporters: “The request for additional diesel is intended to meet urgent contingency requirements. However, the exact quantity requested cannot be disclosed at this time.”

High Commissioner Verma noted that Bangladesh had submitted a formal letter to the Indian government seeking fuel assistance, and New Delhi will take a decision after internal consultations.

Historically, Bangladesh relied heavily on the Middle East for its diesel imports, particularly Kuwait, which supplied the majority of shipments. According to data from the National Board of Revenue, in the 2006–07 fiscal year, 91% of diesel imported by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) came from Kuwait, while India supplied only 9%.

Over the last two decades, however, the import landscape has diversified significantly. South-East Asian countries, especially Singapore and Malaysia, have become major suppliers, while India now contributes a substantial share. The following table illustrates the shift in Bangladesh’s diesel import sources:

During the first eight months of the current fiscal year, Bangladesh imported approximately 2.3 million tonnes of diesel. Singapore accounted for 41% of this total, Malaysia 24%, and the remaining supplies were sourced from India and other countries. As a result, Bangladesh’s dependence on Middle Eastern suppliers has diminished considerably.

Analysts suggest that securing diesel from India could help Bangladesh mitigate energy risks and stabilise domestic fuel availability, particularly in times of international supply volatility. India, for its part, is likely to support such requests once domestic requirements are fully met.