Bangladesh explores Hormuz oil route, plans diesel imports from Russia

Officials say fuel reserves are stable

The government has initiated talks with Iran to import fuel through the Strait of Hormuz, the Energy Division and Mineral Resource Division has said, insisting that the country holds sufficient petroleum reserves to meet demands.

Joint Secretary of the energy division Monir Hossain Chowdhury shared the update during a briefing at the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources on Monday.

“While Bangladeshi-flagged vessels face no issues navigating the strait, challenges may arise with non-flagged international carriers," he added.

In addition to Iran, the government is in the process of importing 600,000 tonnes of diesel from Russia over a two-month period.

Due to international sanctions on Russia, Bangladesh sought a waiver from the United States to proceed with the procurement.

The government is also in talks with Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, and the USA to import oil.

Oil is also being imported from India and Indonesia, Monir said.

Bangladesh has already received 22,000 tonnes of diesel from India under an existing agreement.

Addressing concerns over shortages, Monir assured the public that there is no reason to panic. As of Monday, the national diesel reserve stands at 133,000 tonnes.

The upcoming supply schedule includes 54,600 tonnes of oil arriving on Mar 30 and Apr 3, followed by 154,000 tonnes expected in April from Malaysia and other sources.

While the joint secretary did not provide specific data on petrol and octane, the two fuels currently facing the highest scarcity at filling stations, ministry officials previously noted that these are produced locally and do not typically require imports.

He said the government has issued clear directives to prioritise the agriculture sector.

Field-level officials, including Upazila Agriculture Officers and administrators (UNOs), have been tasked with ensuring farmers receive diesel without interruption.