Dhaka has appealed to Tehran for assistance as 300,000 tonnes of crude oil remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening Bangladesh's energy security amid escalating Middle East conflict.
The stuck shipments represent nearly three weeks of the country's crude oil imports, according to energy ministry officials. With tensions between the United States and Iran disrupting maritime traffic through the critical waterway, Bangladesh faces mounting pressure on its fuel supplies and economic stability.
Analysts estimate the disruption could wipe out up to 3 percent of Bangladesh's GDP if the crisis persists, with cascading effects on everything from manufacturing to remittances. The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports roughly 90 percent of its energy needs, making it particularly vulnerable to supply chain shocks.
Bangladesh's foreign ministry confirmed it has reached out to Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, requesting safe passage for vessels carrying crude purchased before the current crisis erupted. The appeal marks a delicate balancing act for Dhaka, which maintains close economic ties with both Washington and Gulf states.
"We're not taking sides in anyone's conflict," a senior energy official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "We're simply trying to ensure our people have fuel to cook their meals and run their businesses."
The oil shortage comes at a particularly difficult time for Bangladesh, which has spent recent years rebuilding foreign exchange reserves depleted during the global inflation surge. The country's garment export sector—which accounts for 80 percent of export earnings—relies heavily on uninterrupted energy supplies to keep factories running.
Shipping insurance costs for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz have tripled in recent weeks, adding further strain to Bangladesh's import bill. Several international shipping companies have suspended Gulf routes entirely, forcing countries like to seek alternative suppliers or risk fuel shortages.
