New Delhi: India is reviewing requests from neighbouring countries for fuel supplies amid disruptions in global energy markets triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, governments of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives have approached New Delhi seeking assistance with fuel supplies. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the requests are currently being examined while keeping India’s domestic energy needs in mind.
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Energy Crisis Linked to West Asia Conflict
Global oil and gas markets have experienced volatility following the escalation of tensions involving Iran and the United States. The crisis has also disrupted shipping routes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest oil transit corridors.
As crude supplies through the route decline and prices rise, several countries in South Asia have started exploring alternative supply arrangements to maintain fuel availability. Officials indicated that India is evaluating the requests carefully before taking a final decision.
India’s Role in Regional Energy Cooperation
India has traditionally played an important role in supporting energy needs in the region. Cooperation in the energy sector remains a key component of India’s development partnerships with neighbouring countries.
New Delhi has previously helped finance cross-border energy projects, including pipelines connecting India with neighbouring states.
In the case of Bangladesh, India has been supplying diesel from the Numaligarh Refinery in Assam through waterways, rail networks and pipelines.
Existing Agreements and Supply Channels
India and Bangladesh formalised their diesel supply arrangement in 2017 when the refinery signed an agreement with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the export of high-speed diesel.
The supply arrangement has continued since then under mutually agreed commercial terms. Officials said any decision regarding additional supplies will consider factors such as India’s refining capacity, domestic fuel demand and overall availability of diesel.
The government has emphasised that regional cooperation remains important but domestic energy security will remain a key priority while responding to such requests.