Bangladesh secures Iranian assurances for oil shipments
Bangladesh obtains Iranian assurances for safe transit of oil and LNG vessels through Strait of Hormuz as Middle East tensions threaten key energy route
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has secured assurances from Iran that its oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as rising tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over disruptions to one of the world’s most critical energy shipping corridors.
Bangladeshi authorities sought the assurances amid fears that escalating hostilities in the region could affect maritime traffic through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil and remains a strategic chokepoint for international energy supplies.
Energy officials in Dhaka said Iranian authorities agreed that Bangladeshi fuel-carrying vessels would be permitted to pass through the strait provided that Iran is notified in advance before the ships enter the waterway.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Bangladesh’s adviser on power, energy and mineral resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Iran’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi. Officials said the talks focused on energy cooperation and ensuring uninterrupted maritime transit for Bangladeshi fuel imports.
Bangladesh relies heavily on imported fuel, including crude oil, refined petroleum products and LNG, to power its electricity generation and industrial sectors. Any disruption to shipping routes in the Persian Gulf region could quickly affect the country’s energy supply.
According to Bangladeshi officials familiar with the discussions, Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels linked to the United States and Israel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Dhaka requested that Iranian authorities guarantee passage for vessels carrying fuel destined for Bangladesh.
Iran also asked Bangladesh to provide advance information about ships transporting fuel to the country before they enter the strategic waterway, officials said.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has moved to strengthen its fuel reserves as a precaution. A tanker carrying about 27,000 tonnes of diesel recently arrived at the country’s main seaport of Chattogram from Singapore, while four additional vessels carrying a combined 120,205 tons of fuel are expected to dock later this week.
To meet domestic demand in April, authorities have also begun arrangements to import approximately 300,000 tons of diesel from alternative suppliers through direct procurement, as deliveries under some existing long-term contracts face uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict.
Under normal conditions, Bangladesh consumes about 12,000 tons of diesel per day, though current supply levels have been reduced to around 9,000 tons daily. Officials estimate that the five incoming shipments, totaling roughly 147,205 tons of fuel, would be sufficient to meet national demand for about 16 days if current supply levels continue.
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