With crude oil supply through the key Strait of Hormuz route “effectively choked” due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and a global energy crisis looming, India on Thursday confirmed receiving requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives for the supply of diesel.

Addressing a weekly press conference in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is reviewing the diesel supply request from Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.

Jaiswal further stated that India has been a major exporter of refined petroleum products to its neighbours. New Delhi has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2017. “The government is examining these requests while considering India’s own refining capacity, domestic requirements, and fuel availability,” he said.