Government appeals to India for enhanced energy cooperation

Bangla Press Desk:   The government has formally requested India’s assistance to secure energy supplies as the ongoing war in the Middle East puts global fuel markets under pressure.

Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, minister for power, energy and mineral resources, confirmed the development while speaking with reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Bangladesh imports oil through pipeline from India, he said adding, Indian authorities have been asked to increase the flow due to the current volatile situation in international markets.

Earlier, the minister attended a courtesy meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, where the two sides discussed energy cooperation.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Pranay Verma said the letter will be forwarded to the concerned Indian authorities for a swift resolution.

“The courtesy meeting highlighted the strong energy partnership between the two countries, including operational cross-border electricity transmission lines and fuel pipelines,” Pranay Verma further said.

Officials also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in the power and energy sectors to ensure a stable supply for both nations.

In parallel, Bangladesh has sought a temporary waiver from the US to purchase Russian oil, similar to the exemption previously granted to India.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury confirmed the request after a meeting with US Ambassador Brent T Christensen in Dhaka on Wednesday.

“We told them that if Bangladesh is given a similar opportunity, it would greatly support our economy,” Khasru said, adding that Washington would review the request.

The discussions also covered uncertainty in the global oil and gas markets, the importance of securing energy supplies for Bangladesh, and ways to strengthen investment and trade relations between the two countries. Capacity building of government institutions was also discussed.

Asked about the possibility of a trade agreement with the US, the minister said no specific decision was made during the meeting. He added that the government is planning for all possible scenarios if the current international conflict becomes prolonged, whether short-term, medium-term, or extended. Source: daily Sun

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