Foreign Office Updates Travel Advice for Bangladesh Amid Energy Crisis
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical travel warning for UK tourists visiting Bangladesh, highlighting severe energy and fuel shortages in the popular Asian destination. The advisory was updated on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, urging holidaymakers to exercise caution and plan accordingly.
Fuel Sales Limits and Transport Disruption
According to the FCDO, Bangladesh is grappling with energy and fuel shortages linked to global supply disruptions. The authorities have implemented measures including limits on fuel sales, which could lead to significant transport disruption and delays in various areas. British drivers and motorists in the country are specifically warned about these restrictions.
The FCDO stated: "You should plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and keep up to date with local media." This guidance aims to help tourists navigate the challenging conditions and avoid potential inconveniences during their stay.
Emergency Measures to Conserve Resources
In response to the crisis, Bangladeshi authorities have taken drastic steps to conserve electricity and fuel. All public and private universities across the country were shut from Monday, bringing forward the Eid al-Fitr holidays as part of emergency measures.
A senior official from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources explained: "We are doing everything we can to reduce consumption and ensure stability in power, fuel and import supplies." The Ministry of Education cited the "current global situation" as the reason for these actions in a directive circulated to university authorities.
Regional Impact and Supply Efforts
The energy shortages in Bangladesh are partly attributed to the ongoing US and Iran War in the Gulf, which has caused chaos across the Middle East. Following the strikes, several countries including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates closed their airspace, exacerbating regional instability.
To mitigate the fuel crisis, India has begun supplying diesel to Bangladesh through a cross-border pipeline from Assam's Numaligarh refinery. Muhammad Rezanur Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), confirmed that at least 5,000 tonnes of diesel would reach Bangladesh on Tuesday as part of this supply agreement. This shipment is part of a larger annual arrangement between the two neighbouring nations, aimed at bolstering Bangladesh's fuel reserves during this critical period.
Tourists are advised to monitor local news and adjust their travel plans to account for potential delays and limited fuel availability while in Bangladesh.
