The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the Indian government is currently reviewing a formal request from Bangladesh for the supply of diesel.

This development comes at a critical juncture as the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its second month, severely disrupting global energy corridors and triggering fuel shortages across several nations.

During a weekly press briefing in New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that India remains a primary exporter of refined petroleum products within the region. He noted that the request from Dhaka is being treated with importance, though any final decision will be balanced against India’s domestic refining capacity and internal energy security requirements.

India's energy cooperation with Bangladesh is rooted in a long-standing developmental partnership. Since 2017, the Numaligarh refinery in Assam has been a consistent source of high-speed diesel for its neighbour. This energy flow has been maintained through a versatile logistics network comprising waterways, rail links, and the strategically significant India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.

The bilateral energy relationship is governed by a sale-purchase agreement inked in October 2017 between the Numaligarh Refinery and the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. While exports have been largely consistent over the past nine years, the current geopolitical volatility in the Gulf region has forced a more cautious evaluation of available surpluses before new commitments are finalised.

Bangladesh is not alone in seeking Indian assistance; other neighbouring states, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives, have also approached New Delhi for fuel support.

The Indian government has indicated that these requests are being processed collectively, with the MEA highlighting that "people-centric" relations remain a priority even as global supply chains face unprecedented pressure.

Recent figures suggest that emergency supplies are already in motion. According to officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, an additional 5,000 tons of diesel recently arrived from India, bringing the latest total to 15,000 tons.

These shipments are vital for stabilizing the Bangladeshi economy as it navigates the ripple effects of the West Asian crisis.

Looking ahead to the immediate future, India has proposed the supply of a further 40,000 tons of diesel to Bangladesh for the month of April. Dhaka has officially accepted this proposal, marking a significant step in regional energy diplomacy during a period of intense global uncertainty. This ongoing cooperation underscores India’s role as a regional stabilizer in the face of international energy volatility.

ANI