Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Bangladesh has formally requested additional diesel supplies from India beyond the existing monthly quota of 15,000 tonnes.
The Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) Iqbal Hasan Mahmud confirmed this at an impromptu press briefing in the Secretariat on Wednesday.
"In this emergency situation, we have officially sought extra fuel assistance from India to stabilize supply," he said.
India's High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Kumar Verma, acknowledged receipt of the letter and assured that the matter would be conveyed to New Delhi.
Earlier on the day, Mr Verma met with the minister and senior MPEMR officials to discuss the issue.
"Bangladesh has formally asked for additional fuel support. We have accepted the request and will forward it to the Government of India promptly," he told reporters after the meeting.
The Maitree Pipeline, inaugurated in March 2023, remains the primary channel for cross-border fuel supply between India and Bangladesh.
Stretching 131 kilometres from Siliguri in India to Parbatipur in Dinajpur, the pipeline has the capacity to transport up to 200,000 tonnes of diesel annually.
Under the current agreement, Bangladesh is set to receive about 180,000 tonnes of diesel annually but the government is now seeking extra volumes to ease the strain.
The appeal comes at a time when long queues, rationing, and unrest have been reported at filling stations nationwide. Pump owners have warned of possible shutdowns if security and supply are not improved, further highlighting the urgency of the government's request.
Bangladesh's reliance on India for emergency fuel underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy security.
Whether New Delhi agrees to expand its support will be critical in determining how quickly Dhaka can stabilise the situation.
Azizjst@yahoo.com