Dhaka eyes India, Russia to secure energy

Amid rising energy uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Bangladesh government is actively seeking ways to secure its fuel supply.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Wednesday that Bangladesh has requested a temporary waiver from the United States to purchase Russian oil, similar to the exemption recently granted to India.

“We told them [the US] that if Bangladesh is given a similar opportunity, it would greatly support our economy. They have said the matter will be sent to Washington. Now we will see what happens,” he told journalists after meeting US Ambassador Brent T Christensen at the planning minister’s office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

The minister added that the discussion also focused on uncertainty in the international energy market, particularly regarding oil and gas supply, as well as trade, investment, and capacity building between Bangladesh and the US.

Meanwhile, Dhaka has reached out to India for additional energy assistance. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma confirmed that the government has formally requested support, which will now be forwarded to the relevant authorities in India for consideration.

Verma noted that Bangladesh and India share a strong partnership in the power and energy sectors, with cross-border electricity transmission lines and energy pipelines already operational, and discussions aimed at further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Khasru said the government is preparing for different scenarios, whether the conflict is short-term or prolonged, to ensure Bangladesh’s energy security amid global volatility.