Bangladesh has secured assurances from Iran that its oil and LNG-carrying vessels will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, easing immediate concerns over the country’s fuel supply amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Iranian authorities have requested prior notification from Bangladesh before vessels enter the strait.
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood met with Iranian Ambassador to Dhaka Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi at the Secretariat to discuss maritime transit and energy cooperation.
Officials from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division confirmed the development, noting that Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels linked to the United States and Israel, making Bangladesh’s request for safe passage critical.
Meanwhile, a diesel tanker carrying 27,000 tonnes from Singapore arrived at Chattogram Port, with four more vessels totalling 1,20,205 tonnes scheduled to reach Bangladesh later this week.
To meet April’s demand, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources is procuring 3 lakh tonnes of diesel from alternative suppliers through direct procurement.
Under normal circumstances, Bangladesh consumes 12,000 tonnes daily; current supply is 9,000 tonnes, meaning the incoming shipments will cover roughly 16 days of demand.
India and China have also expressed willingness to assist Bangladesh with fuel supplies. Under an existing agreement, India’s Numaligarh Refinery provides 1,80,000 tonnes of diesel annually via the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, with about 1,20,000 tonnes confirmed and an option to import an additional 60,000 tonnes if needed.
To maintain stable distribution, the government has set supply limits, launched mobile court drives to prevent hoarding, and established central and regional monitoring cells through the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC). Special attention is being given to fuel supply for irrigation during the ongoing Boro season.
Officials emphasised that through diversified sourcing, emergency procurement, and close monitoring, Bangladesh is taking all measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply nationwide despite global uncertainties.
