Bangladesh has requested additional diesel supplies from India to manage ongoing power and gas shortages that have affected electricity generation and increased load-shedding. The request comes as both countries discuss strengthening energy cooperation through existing cross-border infrastructure.
Dhaka: Bangladesh has requested additional diesel supplies from India to help deal with ongoing power and gas shortages that have affected electricity generation and increased load-shedding in parts of the country. The request was made during a meeting between Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood.
The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation in the power and energy sectors, including cross-border energy connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
Also Read
Why does Bangladesh need more diesel from India?
Bangladesh is facing pressure on its energy sector due to shortages of natural gas, which is a major fuel source for electricity generation. Several gas-based power plants have been affected by limited fuel availability, reducing electricity production and leading to power cuts.
To manage the shortage, Bangladesh is looking to increase diesel supplies through the existing India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which connects fuel facilities in India with Bangladesh.
Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said the shortage of diesel was affecting gas-fired power generation indirectly by increasing pressure on the overall energy system.
“We have a pipeline with India through which diesel is supplied. We have asked them to provide more,” he told reporters after meeting the Indian envoy.
How does the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline work?
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is a cross-border fuel transport project designed to supply petroleum products from India to Bangladesh.
The pipeline connects India’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) in Assam with Bangladesh’s Parbatipur oil storage facility in Dinajpur. It was built to improve fuel connectivity, reduce transportation costs and ensure a more stable supply of petroleum products.
Bangladesh received around 30,000 tonnes of diesel through the pipeline in March and April. However, supplies were later halted during the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
Why is energy cooperation important for both countries?
Energy has become a key area of India-Bangladesh cooperation, with both countries working on electricity trade, fuel supplies and infrastructure connectivity.
For Bangladesh, stable energy supplies are important for industries, businesses and households, especially as the country manages rising electricity demand and fuel challenges.
For India, energy cooperation strengthens regional connectivity and economic ties with a neighbouring country.
During the meeting, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi and Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood discussed expanding cooperation in power and energy sectors.
The Indian High Commission said both sides highlighted cross-border power and energy connectivity as an important part of the economic partnership between the two countries.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation based on mutual interests, energy security and sustainable development.
India and Bangladesh have several ongoing energy links, including electricity exports from India to Bangladesh and fuel supply arrangements.
The latest request for additional diesel comes at a time when Bangladesh is attempting to stabilise its energy sector and reduce the impact of shortages on electricity generation and daily life.
Published: 06 Aug 2026, 09:44 pm IST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.