Bangladesh seeks more diesel supplies from India amid power, gas shortages
Dhaka, Aug 7
Bangladesh has sought an increase in diesel supplies from India through the cross-border pipeline to help resolve the country's ongoing electricity and gas shortages, according to local media reports.
Addressing reporters, Bangladesh's Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood made the remarks following a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi at the Secretariat in Dhaka. He said energy cooperation was one of the key issues discussed.
"We import diesel from India through the pipeline, and we have requested them to supply more," Bangladeshi daily The Business Standard quoted Mahmood as saying.
Emphasising that Bangladesh and India have several areas of mutual interest as neighbouring countries, he said that meeting with the Indian envoy was part of his routine engagements with foreign diplomats.
"I regularly meet ambassadors from different countries. The meeting with the Indian high commissioner was also a routine one. As India is our neighbouring country, we have many areas of mutual interest, and those issues were discussed," he added.
Indian High Commissioner Trivedi called on Mahmood on Thursday, where both sides exchanged views on further strengthening India-Bangladesh cooperation in the power and energy sectors. Bangladesh's Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, was also present during the meeting.
"The discussion focused on the importance of cross-border power and energy connectivity as a key pillar of India-Bangladesh economic partnership. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation based on mutual interest and mutual benefit, with a view to enhancing energy security, promoting sustainable development, and supporting the prosperity of the people of both countries," the Indian High Commission in Dhaka posted on X.
Earlier in April, an additional 5,000 tonnes of diesel began flowing into Bangladesh from India through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, reinforcing Dhaka's fuel security amid the maritime uncertainty in West Asia affecting energy imports, reports said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's good to see India helping its neighbours, but I hope we are also getting a fair deal in terms of pricing and trade terms. Energy diplomacy should be a win-win for both sides, not just a one-way street. Still, it's heartening to see stability in the region through such cooperation.
This is what strong regional partnerships look like. India being a net security provider and energy supplier in South Asia is a positive development. The pipeline project is a testament to the trust between our nations. Hopefully, this will also lead to better connectivity and trade in other sectors as well.
I remember when the Friendship Pipeline was inaugurated, it was hailed as a game-changer. Now, seeing Bangladesh requesting more diesel shows the value of such infrastructure projects. It's not just about business; it's about fostering goodwill and long-term stability in the neighbourhood. Great job by our diplomats!
It's a good move, but I can't help but wonder about the long-term energy strategy. While helping neighbours, India should also focus on increasing its own refining capacity and exploring alternative energy sources. We have the potential to be a global energy hub, and this is a step in that direction.
Very proud to see India being a dependable partner for Bangladesh. The "routine meeting" aspect shows that the relationship is now mature enough to discuss such critical issues smoothly. It's a win for the entire subcontinent's energy security. Keep up the good work!
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