Why Bangladesh faces shutdown as Iran war triggers crippling fuel crisis

WorldBusiness & Finance
1 Apr 2026 • 8:25 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Bangladesh is grappling with a severe fuel crisis, leading to rationing, university closures, and extensive queues at petrol stations.
  • The crisis has been intensified by Donald Trump's month-long war on Iran, which has disrupted Middle East oil exports and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The government is urgently addressing dwindling fuel reserves, which recently stood at just over two weeks for crude and nine days for diesel, by seeking new suppliers and a US sanctions waiver for Russian diesel.
  • The country is importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at higher prices and has instructed civil servants to implement energy-saving measures amidst fears of the economy grinding to a halt.
  • Experts warn Bangladesh is highly vulnerable due to its dependence on imported fossil fuels and advocate for an accelerated transition to clean energy.

IN FULL