Bangladesh has begun searching for alternative energy sources as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens fuel supplies for many energy-importing countries, including Bangladesh.
The government has been working to secure alternative supplies to maintain national energy reserves. Officials have already sought energy assistance from India, China and the United States. Authorities are also considering importing crude oil from Brunei and several African countries.
At the same time, Bangladesh has been exploring alternative sources to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the spot market. Dhaka has also requested permission from Washington to import oil from Russia.
India and China have both expressed interest in helping Bangladesh address the potential energy crisis. Their ambassadors conveyed the stance during separate meetings with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmud Tuku at the Secretariat.
After meeting the finance minister, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen told reporters that Bangladesh and China would work together to address the energy challenge. He said China was particularly interested in supporting Bangladesh with the energy supplies needed to overcome the current situation.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said the Bangladesh government had formally requested additional energy assistance from India. Speaking after a meeting with the power minister at the Secretariat on March 11, he said he had received the letter and would forward it to the relevant authorities for urgent consideration.
Energy expert and vice-chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh, Professor Mohammad Tamim, said Bangladesh may need to import LNG from distant suppliers such as Australia, Indonesia, Brunei and the United States as an emergency measure.
However, he warned that longer shipping distances would significantly increase transportation and import costs.
“If global supply tightens at this moment, countries will compete for any available cargo,” he said.
Tamim added that while LNG demand in Europe typically declines after winter, major importers such as Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea and India remain key players in the global LNG market.
He said the government was trying to reassure the public that existing fuel reserves were sufficient for now, but stressed that authorities must prioritise securing alternative supply sources to ensure energy security.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
