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India to Balance Own Needs as Neighbors Seek Diesel Amid Global Crisis

India has received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives for petroleum products, particularly diesel, amid global supply disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict. The MEA spokesperson stated that while India is a major exporter to the region, it will factor in its own domestic requirements and refining capacity before fulfilling these requests. Diesel is currently being supplied to Bangladesh via multiple routes, including the cross-border India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline inaugurated by the two nations' leaders. The situation also connects to broader discussions on energy security, as highlighted by recent diplomatic conversations between India and Iran.

Key Points: India Weighs Diesel Supply to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives

  • Global fuel disruptions from West Asia conflict
  • Bangladesh faces severe diesel shortfall
  • India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline supplies fuel
  • Sri Lanka and Maldives also make requests
  • India to consider domestic availability first
2 min read

India's own requirements to be factored in for diesel supply to Bangladesh; Sri Lanka, Maldives make similar requests: MEA

India receives fuel requests from neighbors amid global disruptions. MEA says domestic needs will be factored in before supplying diesel.

"India's own requirements will also be factored in. We have received such requests from Sri Lanka and the Maldives as well. - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, March 12

India has received requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives for petroleum products, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

This follows growing disruptions in global fuel supplies due to the ongoing West Asia conflict triggered by the war between US-Israel and Iran. Bangladesh is facing a severe shortfall of petrol and diesel and has recieved diesel supply from India while requesting additional supply.

"India is a major exporter of petroleum products, especially to our neighbourhood. We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through waterways, rail and the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline in partnership with Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. Diesel exports to Bangladesh have continued since then," he said.

India will factor in its diesel availability and refining capacity before supplying to Bangladesh, Jaiswal said. "India's own requirements will also be factored in. We have received such requests from Sri Lanka and the Maldives as well," the MEA spokesperson said.

Yesterday, sources in the Government of India had said that the supply of diesel to Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is part of the regular ongoing energy trade between the two countries.

According to sources, the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh on a commercial basis from Assam's Numaligarh Refinery Limited, noting that the fuel supply is part of the routine bilateral energy cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The pipeline was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Numaligarh Refinery Limited has been supplying petroleum products to Bangladesh since 2015. According to an official release, IBFP is the first cross-border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh with a capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) to Bangladesh.

Chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, informed that 5,000 tonnes of diesel were imported from India to Bangladesh yesterday. This diesel will enter via the Parbatipur border.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in recent days. "The last one discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India's energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything," Jaiswal said in his address to mediapersons in New Delhi today.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see India stepping up as a reliable energy partner in the region. The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline is a great example of 'Neighbourhood First' policy in action. Hope we can help Sri Lanka and Maldives too, within our capacity.
R
Rohit P
While helping neighbours is good, I hope the government is also looking at long-term solutions. Global conflicts are disrupting supply. We need to focus more on renewable energy and reducing our own dependence on imported crude.
S
Sarah B
It's a delicate balancing act. On one hand, regional stability is important and helping neighbours in crisis builds goodwill. On the other, domestic prices and availability for Indian citizens cannot be compromised. The MEA's statement seems measured.
V
Vikram M
The pipeline from Numaligarh is a strategic asset. It shows how infrastructure projects can strengthen ties and provide energy security for the whole region. More such projects with friendly neighbours should be encouraged. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
I appreciate the transparency from the MEA spokesperson. It's important for citizens to know that our government is considering our needs first. Let's hope the refining capacity is sufficient to manage both domestic and export demands without affecting prices here.

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