Bangladesh has secured a fresh 60-day sanctions waiver from the United States, allowing the country to import Russian-origin refined petroleum products, offering temporary relief to its strained energy supply system amid ongoing global disruptions.
The waiver, effective from 11 April to 9 June, enables Bangladesh to initiate new fuel imports—unlike the previous short-term licence, which was limited to shipments already in transit. Officials say the move provides a critical window to stabilise fuel availability and manage rising energy costs.
Under the arrangement, Bangladesh plans to import up to 10 lakh tonnes of diesel, with an initial shipment of 1 lakh tonnes expected to be procured through the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) in collaboration with a US-based supplier handling Russian-origin fuel.
The decision comes at a time when global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted supply chains and driven up oil prices. Bangladesh, heavily reliant on imported fuel, has faced increasing difficulty in sourcing adequate volumes from traditional Middle Eastern suppliers.
Industry stakeholders say the waiver will provide short-term energy security, which is crucial for key export-oriented sectors such as textiles and readymade garments (RMG). Persistent fuel shortages in recent months have disrupted factory operations, with many manufacturers forced to rely on diesel generators amid gas and electricity constraints.
The ability to access comparatively affordable Russian diesel could help ease production disruptions, reduce operational costs, and support export competitiveness in the textile and apparel sector, which accounts for the majority of Bangladesh’s export earnings.
The waiver follows diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and US authorities, including discussions involving the US Department of State and Treasury, as well as Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Energy Division. Officials emphasised the need for a temporary exemption to address sharp increases in global fuel prices and supply constraints.
Energy officials note that Bangladesh is also exploring diversification of fuel sources beyond the Middle East to strengthen long-term energy resilience. The current waiver is seen as a transitional step toward broader energy cooperation and supply chain stability.
However, the relief is temporary, and timely execution of import plans will be crucial to mitigating shortages. Authorities are expected to closely monitor market conditions and geopolitical developments before deciding on further actions once the waiver expires in early June.
For now, the move provides a much-needed buffer for Bangladesh’s energy sector and its export-driven industries as they navigate a period of heightened global uncertainty.
