India to weigh domestic availability, refining capacity before addl fuel supply to Bangladesh

India has said any decision on additional fuel supplies to Bangladesh and other neighbouring nations will depend on domestic availability and its crude refining capacity.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has received requests for diesel from Bangladesh as well as Sri Lanka, Maldives and several other neighbouring countries.

"The requests by these countries are being considered factoring in our refining capacity and domestic availability of fuel," he said.

Jaiswal said India has been exporting diesel to Bangladesh through multiple routes since 2007 and currently supplies fuel through a cross-border pipeline under a bilateral agreement.

He added that any decision on additional supplies would have to take into account India's ability to refine crude oil and ensure adequate domestic fuel stocks.

The spokesperson also said India is trying to diversify its energy sources amid disruptions in global markets. According to him, two tankers carrying LPG from the Persian Gulf recently arrived in India, and the country is exploring supplies from other parts of the world as well.

Asked whether India is importing LPG from Russia, Jaiswal said India is trying to procure fuel "from all available sources wherever possible" and would consider the option if supplies are available.

He added that India must first ensure that the fuel needs of its own population are fully met while continuing efforts to keep multiple supply options open.