Mohammad Suman

Bangladesh imports crude and refined fuel oil from a range of countries, including in the Middle East, to meet its annual demand of roughly 70 lakh tonnes

Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are two key sources

The government is scrambling to secure alternative fuel sources amid the US-Israel war on Iran, as the lion’s share of Bangladesh’s fuel imports originates from the Middle East.

The prices of loose soybean oil and palm oil have risen in the local market despite assurances of sufficient stock and adequate supply, heaving financial pressure on consumers.

Many filling stations across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, ran dry yesterday as panic buying continued for a second day amid fears of supply disruption due to the war in the Middle East.

Energy minister assures people of adequate stock, supply

Filling stations across the country, including in Dhaka and Chattogram, were overcrowded on the weekend as panic buying continued amid fears of supply disruptions due to the war in the Middle East.

Authorities have shut five of the country’s six urea fertiliser factories as a precaution amid fears of gas supply disruptions caused by the widening war in the Middle East and Iran’s closure of the Hormuz Strait, a key global energy route.