India Boosts Diesel Supply to Bangladesh Amid Crisis

Amid the ongoing energy crisis in Bangladesh, India has stepped up diesel supplies to help the neighbouring country manage fuel shortages caused by the West Asia conflict. This move underscores regional energy cooperation and highlights India’s role as a reliable energy partner.

Recent Diesel Shipments from India

A senior official from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), Md. Murshed Hossain Azad, confirmed that an additional 5,000 tons of diesel has arrived from India. With this shipment, Bangladesh has received a total of 15,000 tons of diesel from India in recent times.

Further, on March 28, an additional 6,000 tons of diesel is scheduled to be sent, with plans for India to supply 40,000 tons in April, a proposal that Bangladesh has officially accepted.

March Deliveries and Upcoming Supply

The latest shipment follows previous deliveries under the resumed India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which ensures faster and more reliable transportation of fuel to Bangladesh. The April plan for 40,000 tons reflects the growing urgency to meet the country’s energy needs.

Supply via India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline

The diesel is being transported from Numaligarh Refinery in Assam through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline to the Parbatipur depot in Bangladesh.

Resumption After 2024 Halt

The pipeline had been halted after the mass movement against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 but resumed operations following the February general elections under the current government led by Tarique Rahman.

Since its resumption, the pipeline has delivered 15,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh, providing a critical lifeline during the ongoing fuel shortage.

Bangladesh’s Diesel Demand and Imports

Bangladesh has an annual diesel demand of approximately 4 million tons, which is fully met through imports.

Refining and Direct Imports

According to energy expert Ezaz Ahmed, crude oil imports of around half a million tons are refined at the Eastern Refinery, while the remaining diesel is imported directly as refined fuel. Bangladesh primarily sources diesel from India, Singapore, and the Middle East, making India’s contribution crucial during the current crisis.

Strategic Implications

India’s diesel shipments to Bangladesh not only alleviate immediate energy shortages but also strengthen bilateral energy ties.

Importance of Reliable Supply

Reliable supply from India ensures Bangladesh can maintain essential services and industrial operations despite disruptions in global fuel markets.

Pipeline Advantages

The resumption of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline further facilitates seamless fuel transport, reducing dependency on costlier and slower shipping alternatives.

Strengthened Regional Energy Cooperation

As Bangladesh faces fuel constraints amid global energy uncertainties, India’s diesel supply plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy stability. Scheduled shipments in April are expected to further mitigate the crisis, reflecting growing collaboration between the two nations in energy security.