Severe Energy Shortage: Bangladesh Turns to India for Diesel Support

Bangladesh is currently grappling with an acute power and energy crisis, prompting the country to seek additional fuel assistance from India. Responding to the situation, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it is evaluating Bangladesh’s request while taking into account its own domestic requirements and supply capabilities.

According to reports, Bangladeshi Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud reached out to New Delhi requesting increased diesel supplies to help stabilize the nation’s energy grid.

MEA Official Statement           

During a media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the development, stating:

“Energy cooperation with Bangladesh is an ongoing process. Regarding their additional demand, we are examining the request while keeping in mind our own domestic needs, refining capacities, and supply availability on our end.”

Extensive Power Cuts Across Bangladesh

Reports from local outlets, including the Dhaka Tribune, indicate that rural areas around the capital, Dhaka, are suffering from daily power outages lasting 8 to 10 hours.

To mitigate the shortfall, the government led by Tariq Rahman has mandated energy-saving protocols, ordering shopping malls, markets, and retail stores to close by 8:00 PM.

Addressing the timeline for recovery, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury noted on August 16, 2026, that resolving the country’s energy deficit could take at least two years. He explained that setting up a new floating LNG terminal (FSRU) requires 18 to 24 months, meaning structural relief will not be immediate.

Rising public discontent over nationwide load-shedding has forced electricity distribution companies in several districts to request extra police protection around their offices.

Government Acknowledges Limited Short-Term Options

Addressing the crisis, Bangladesh’s Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, conceded that the administration has few immediate alternatives beyond managed load-shedding.

“We are doing everything possible,” the Minister stated. “However, during this acute phase, our hands are tied because extracting domestic gas or utilizing existing supplies remains restricted without adequate Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU).”