Dhaka, Mar 12 (V7N) – Bangladesh has sought special privileges from the United States to import oil from Russia at lower prices, as global crude oil prices continue to surge amid the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.

Finance and Planning Adviser Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Dhaka has formally requested temporary special permission or a ‘waiver’ from Washington, similar to the facility previously granted to neighboring India for purchasing Russian oil.

The matter came up during a meeting between Amir Khasru and Brent T. Christensen at the Planning Minister’s office in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Wednesday (March 11).

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the adviser said Bangladesh had conveyed its position clearly to the United States.

“We told them that if Bangladesh receives a special exemption similar to India, it will be very helpful for our economy,” he said, adding that the US ambassador assured the matter would be reviewed seriously and communicated to Washington.

Energy Security Concerns

The meeting also discussed the current volatility in the international energy market. Amir Khasru noted that global oil and gas supply has become uncertain due to geopolitical tensions, making energy security a critical issue for Bangladesh.

He added that discussions also covered ways to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States.

Search for Affordable Energy Sources

As an import-dependent energy market, Bangladesh is under pressure from fluctuating global oil prices. Analysts believe that importing discounted Russian oil could help save foreign currency reserves and ease pressure on the domestic energy sector.

The government is therefore exploring alternative energy supply options to stabilize fuel costs and maintain energy security in the current global situation.

END/SMA/AJ