India to Prioritise Domestic Fuel Needs Amid Regional Supply Requests

PTI, March 18, 2026, New Delhi : India will prioritise meeting domestic fuel demand before considering supply requests from countries such as Bangladesh and other regional buyers, as energy market disruptions tighten availability.

"Rashtrahit Sarvopari (Nation First)," said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

"Domestic fuel demand has to be met first. If there is a surplus after meeting all of the domestic demand, a decision can be taken by the appropriate authority."

At a media briefing on the energy supply scenario in view of the developments in West Asia, she was asked about requests from neighbouring countries seeking fuel from India.

Several neighbouring nations have sought additional supplies from India to offset shortage triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Sharma said ensuring adequate domestic availability remains the primary focus, with exports to be evaluated only after internal demand is fully met.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives have requested emergency fuel supplies from India to mitigate shortages caused by the West Asia conflict.

Bangladesh sought diesel in excess of the 5,000 tonnes it receives via a pipeline under an existing arrangement.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives too have sought additional fuel supplies from India.

Besides Bangladesh, India also supplies fuels like petrol, diesel and LPG to Nepal and Bhutan.

Nepal has reportedly requested an additional 3,000 tonnes of LPG monthly.

India has surplus refining capacity — it makes fuels more than its annual consumption.

The surplus is exported.