Iran Assures Safe Passage for Bangladesh Oil Tankers

Iran has assured Bangladesh that its oil and LNG tankers will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, offering some relief as tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy shipping routes.

Energy officials said Iran agreed to let Bangladeshi vessels cross the strategic waterway provided they notify Iranian authorities before entering the strait.

The assurance comes as Bangladesh intensifies efforts to maintain a stable fuel supply amid the regional conflict. Authorities are exploring multiple options, including emergency imports and alternative suppliers.

A tanker carrying about 27,000 tonnes of diesel arrived at Chattogram port from Singapore on Sunday. Four more vessels carrying a combined 120,205 tonnes of fuel are expected to arrive later this week.

Officials said the government has also started the process of importing around 300,000 tonnes of diesel through direct procurement to meet demand in April. The move comes as deliveries under some long-term contracts have become uncertain due to the ongoing war.

Under normal conditions, Bangladesh’s daily diesel demand stands at around 12,000 tonnes. Currently, about 9,000 tonnes are being supplied each day. If the expected shipments arrive as planned, the incoming cargoes would be enough to meet national demand for about 16 days.

Meanwhile, both India and China have indicated willingness to support Bangladesh with fuel supplies if necessary. Diplomatic discussions are ongoing to ensure energy security and avoid any disruption in supply.

Under an existing arrangement with India’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited, Bangladesh can import up to 180,000 tonnes of diesel annually through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. About 120,000 tonnes have already been confirmed, while the country still has the option to import an additional 60,000 tonnes depending on demand.

Energy officials said several international suppliers have also offered to sell fuel to Bangladesh, and the proposals are currently under review.

Port authorities confirmed that additional tankers carrying around 30,000 tonnes of diesel each are expected to reach Chattogram in the coming days.

To ensure uninterrupted fuel distribution, monitoring cells have been set up by the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation to track supply and address complaints. District administrations have also been instructed to run mobile courts to prevent hoarding and market manipulation.

Officials said the government is prioritising fuel availability for irrigation during the ongoing Boro season while continuing efforts to secure additional supplies from multiple sources.