On April 1, 2026, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman formally requested a waiver from the United States to import refined diesel and other petroleum products from Russia. The appeal was made during a meeting with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the Department of Energy in Washington, DC.
Dr. Rahman emphasized the urgent need to address Bangladesh’s energy challenges, which have been exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions. He highlighted the critical importance of securing an uninterrupted fuel supply for farmers, especially with the planting season approaching, to safeguard food security.
The Foreign Minister noted that Bangladesh missed the opportunity to benefit from an earlier limited US waiver on Russian oil due to logistical constraints. He discussed potential solutions, including purchasing refined oil derived from Russian crude through third countries.
US Energy Secretary Wright acknowledged Bangladesh’s energy difficulties and expressed a commitment to assist. He assured that the US would consider Bangladesh’s request positively and collaborate closely with relevant departments to support Bangladesh’s energy security.
The discussion also touched on long-term cooperation for sustainable energy solutions and the potential for increased procurement of US energy products. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both countries, highlighting the importance of the bilateral relationship.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, April 1, 2026
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