MD NAZRUL ISLAM, Ctg

Bangladesh’s energy sector may come under significant threat if the Iran-Israel war escalates and Iran follows through on its threat to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime trade route through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply is shipped every day.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and the UAE on one side and Iran on the other. It links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea beyond.

Bangladesh imports essential fuels, such as crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG), primarily from Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain.

“Our LPG-laden vessels are waiting at loading ports in Iraq, UAE, Qatar and Oman,” said Mohammad Amirul Haque, president of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh.

But due to the Iran-Israel war, none of them could pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

“This could trigger an LPG shortage in the country. Despite being a neutral party, we may end up suffering from the consequences of the war,” he said.

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