Tehran: As the military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalates in the Middle East, a divergent energy crisis has gripped South Asia. According to a report by The Times of India, the regional impact of the conflict has seen India maintaining a precarious stability in fuel costs, while Pakistan and Bangladesh face severe economic disruptions and supply shortages.
Despite global Brent crude hitting a peak of $120 per barrel before settling near $90, retail fuel prices in India have remained unchanged as of March 11, 2026. Official sources cited by The Times of India indicate that Indian oil marketing companies (OMCs) are absorbing the international surge, supported by a strategic buffer of 250 million barrels of reserves—enough to last nearly eight weeks. India, which imports 90% of its crude requirements, has further mitigated the crisis by increasing its intake of Russian oil.
In stark contrast, Pakistan has been forced to pass the burden directly to its citizens. As reported by Reuters, the Pakistani government announced a staggering hike of 55 Pakistani rupees, pushing petrol prices to 321.17 rupees per litre. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik described the move as a “compulsion” triggered by global volatility. The announcement led to widespread panic buying and massive queues at fuel stations in major hubs like Lahore and Karachi.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is battling critical supply deficits. With 95% of its energy needs imported, the country has introduced strict fuel rationing. Reuters and PTI report that while petrol prices remain around 116 taka, the lack of availability is crippling industries, particularly the garment sector. To alleviate the shortage, India has begun supplying diesel to Dhaka via the Bangladesh-India Friendship Pipeline, providing a vital lifeline during the regional blockade of Middle Eastern shipping routes.
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