The government has increased retail fuel prices at the consumer level, citing rising global oil market trends.

According to a gazette notification issued by the Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Division tonight (18 April), new prices will take effect from 12am Sunday (19 April).

Under the revised structure, diesel will cost Tk115 per litre, octane Tk140, petrol Tk135 and kerosene Tk130.

The latest adjustment represents a sharp increase across all major fuel categories. Diesel has been raised by Tk15 per litre, octane by Tk20, petrol by Tk19 and kerosene by Tk18.

The notification stated that the move was necessary to maintain stability in supply and ensure adjustment with global price trends.

Earlier, on 24 March, the BERC increased jet fuel prices by around 80% for domestic routes and nearly 79% for international routes in a single adjustment.

Officials said the latest revision was intended to align domestic prices with the international market, where oil prices have surged since the beginning of the Iran war on 28 February.

The government had previously resisted increasing fuel prices despite a steep rise in import costs, fearing that a higher diesel price would trigger transport fare increases, raise commodity prices and add to inflation.

However, officials said the growing cost of subsidies eventually left the government with little choice but to increase retail rates.

Bangladesh's oil import costs have increased significantly since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted supplies and forced the country to buy fuel from non-traditional sources and the spot market.

The government had kept fuel prices unchanged for April, saying it wanted to protect consumers from further hardship.

Following the start of the Iran war, crude oil prices climbed to as high as around $116 a barrel from about $70-75 before the conflict.

The increase in global fuel prices forced the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation to spend an additional Tk1,200 crore to import 10 oil consignments in March.

Long queues have persisted at filling stations in recent weeks because of fuel shortages. Officials said panic buying and hoarding were major reasons behind the shortage.

The decision to keep prices unchanged earlier was also partly aimed at discouraging hoarding by reducing the incentive to store fuel in anticipation of a future price rise.

However, as subsidy costs mounted, the government decided to pass part of the burden on to consumers.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman criticised the hike, saying global prices are falling while Bangladesh has increased fuel rates.

He described the move as "deeply unfortunate" and said it would further burden people already struggling with rising living costs.

The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) has teamed up with the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA) to foster sustainable development, enhance efficiency, and strengthen international cooperation in Bangladesh’s capital market.

Takashi Hibino, chairman and CEO of JSDA, and Saiful Islam, president of DBA, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on April 9, according to a press release issued by the DBA today.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate in several key areas to support the development of the securities market, including the exchange of laws and regulations related to financial investment businesses and capital markets.

They will also work on developing governance frameworks, policy-making processes, and operational practices of self-regulatory organisations; strengthening supervision and compliance mechanisms; enhancing efficient financial transaction systems; fostering innovation in investment instruments and services; and expanding investor education programmes.

Additionally, both organisations will extend cooperation and consultation on other areas of mutual interest as needed.

Commenting on the agreement, the DBA president said the deal represents a significant advancement for Bangladesh’s capital market.

Partnering with a well-established and experienced self-regulatory organisation like JSDA will play a crucial role in strengthening market structure, governance, and institutional capacity, he said.

“We believe this collaboration will facilitate the exchange of global best practices and contribute to making our capital market more modern, transparent, and investor-friendly.”

Islam expressed optimism that the MoU would help build a more organised, dynamic, and internationally aligned capital market in Bangladesh, benefiting all market participants.

The core area of Beijing's Satellite Town, designed as a hub ​for satellite manufacturers and operators, ‌will be completed in the second half of 2026, state-owned media Beijing Daily reported on ​Saturday.

- Commercial launches now account ​for over 60% of all space launches ⁠and a number of companies are ​rushing to go public, Beijing Daily ​said.

- Gao Yibin, head of the Strategic Research Department at Future Aerospace, said with the acceleration ​of launch approvals, the localisation of ​components and the continued injection of capital by ‌industrial ⁠funds, China's trillion-yuan commercial space market is moving towards standardisation and scale

- "The accelerated implementation of scenarios such as low-Earth ​orbit constellation ​networking, satellite ⁠internet, space computing power, and 6G air-space-ground integration suggests sustained ​growth is expected in 2026," ​said ⁠Gao.

- The Beijing Satellite Town will provide the support to develop the aerospace ⁠industry ​by fostering industrial clustering ​and enabling talent, capital and technology to flow efficiently.

China's economy picked up speed early in 2026, riding an export surge before the Iran war sent energy costs soaring and put global demand - vital to Beijing's growth ambitions - at risk.

The 5.0% year-on-year pace in the first quarter sits at the top of China's full-year target range of 4.5%-5.0%, highlighting a resilience that sets it apart from much of Asia, helped by ample strategic oil reserves and a diversified energy mix.

Yet the Middle East conflict lays bare a core vulnerability: an export-led growth model that delivers annual trade surpluses the size of the Dutch economy depends on open sea lanes - for China and for the customers it sells to.

And as the world's biggest energy importer and manufacturing powerhouse, soaring oil prices threaten to drive up production costs and squeeze already thin margins at factories that employ hundreds of millions of people. The longer the conflict drags on, the higher the risks, and the pressure is already mounting.

Peng Xin, general manager of Guangdong Rongsu New Materials, which buys petrochemical feedstock from refineries and turns it into plastic pellets for injection-moulding factories, says prices for two types of nylon spiked roughly 40%-60%.

Peng is passing the increases on, while some of his customers rush to place orders and stockpile before costs climb further.

"The current coping method is to negotiate the price for every single order. If you accept my price, we cooperate. Otherwise, there's nothing we can do," he said.

"The entire industry chain is under pressure."

Imbalances expose China to global demand risks

The first-quarter GDP growth beat forecasts of 4.8% and October-December's three-year low of 4.5%, which a statistics bureau official described as a "rare and commendable" achievement, while warning of a "complex and volatile" external environment.

But the trade data for March earlier this week pointed to strains. Exports grew just 2.5% last month, slowing sharply from 21.8% in January–February.

And while factory-gate prices rose out of deflation in March for the first time in more than three years, analysts warn "bad inflation" driven by input costs could be even worse for growth.

"The solid start to the year on the back of strong export performance suggests the direct impact of the Middle East conflict remains contained for now," said Junyu Tan, North Asia economist at Coface.

"But the outlook is not all rosy despite China's relative resilience," Tan added. "The export engine could still be constrained by weaker global demand if the conflict persists."

And the economy remains imbalanced, with consumers unlikely to pick up the slack if exports falter.

Retail sales, a gauge of consumption, grew 1.7% last month, down from 2.8% in January-February, and - as has been the norm in recent years - underperformed industrial output, which rose 5.7% in March versus 6.3% in the first two months.

Lending data earlier this week also showed sluggish credit demand from households and businesses.

Breaking China's protracted property slump will be critical to reviving consumption, but fresh data showing new home prices still falling suggest further pain for the country's embattled developers.

"On one hand you see resilience - the Iran war's impact on China is very limited. On the other hand you see imbalance - a strong export sector versus modest domestic demand," said Tianchen Xu, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Beijing to ramp up stimulus if exports slow

Analysts do not expect the central bank to ease policy significantly, but say Beijing could deploy more fiscal firepower if the target comes under threat, adding to a debt burden more than three times the size of the economy.

Fiscal expenditure rose 3.6% in January–February, picking up from a 1% increase in 2025.

"The net exports' contribution to Chinese growth could turn negative in the second quarter," said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group.

"If that happens, then the domestic infrastructure spending and fiscal spending will step up in order to bridge the gap."

There is one silver lining for China, however. Cut off from the West after invading Ukraine, Russia now supplies it with discounted oil and gas. Heavy use of coal, rapid expansion of renewables and a growing electric vehicle fleet further shield China from energy shocks.

As the Iran crisis jolts markets, Chinese manufacturers may emerge in better shape than rivals in Europe and elsewhere, where production costs rise even faster.

"In a cost-push inflation cycle, firms normally cannot fully pass on the cost increase to consumers, and this will hit their profit margin," said EIU's Xu.

"That said, Chinese manufacturers still enjoy lower production costs relative to peers in other countries. That will help to preserve, if not increase, their global market share."

The Gulf energy crisis isn’t over. Ever since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, regional tumult has throttled worldwide oil and gas supplies. On Friday, Iranian Foreign ​Minister Abbas Araqchi declared the opening of the key Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, through which a fifth of global oil and ‌gas shipments typically transit daily — part of a 10-day ceasefire that now encompasses hostilities in Lebanon. The question is whether investors are right in their apparent sense that the acute phase of the impasse is giving way to a longer-term chronic period, or whether energy prices are going to snap back up again.

For now, the mood is ​one of relief. Brent futures plummeted below $90 a barrel on Friday morning, having neared $120 late last month. In Europe, where gas storage ​levels are near the lowest they’ve been since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, May futures priced off the Dutch TTF benchmark collapsed to under 39 euros per megawatt-hour, from a mid-March high above 60 euros per MWh.

The reaction is understandable. Morgan Stanley analysts envisioned ​prices rising to perhaps $150 per barrel if the situation escalated. Already, at the recent level of $110 a barrel, the bank predicted that Asian GDP growth ​would fall from 5 percent to 4.2 percent this year. The International Monetary Fund similarly cut its forecast for global economic activity. The initial policy response sought to stem the worst effects. Price caps in Asia helped hold domestic fuel-price rises to only 16 percent, adjusting for purchasing power, well below a 53 percent increase in oil prices in local currencies, Morgan ​Stanley reckons. Though presented in broader terms, the UK government has said it will eliminate a carbon tax on natural gas generation.

Any sense of ​normalization needs to be qualified. As Gulf oil and gas storage filled, producers with nowhere to shift their product have shuttered output. War-ravaged infrastructure must be rebuilt. Ships take ‌time to reach port, with full resumption of traffic maybe months away.

A return to that daily norm of 100-plus ships is also far from guaranteed. President Trump’s promise to continue blockading Iran remains. And Araqchi noted that tankers must still coordinate with Iranian authorities: whether this means the country will continue extracting tolls for safe passage is unclear. Fresh costs or risks of re-erupting conflict could lead to a perhaps $10 per barrel oil price premium, experts previously told ​Breakingviews.

If the crisis is in its ​chronic phase, there are other implications. Any deal between Iran and the US to curb Tehran’s nuclear enrichment may not last — after all, the one struck a decade ago by President Barack Obama didn’t. Other consequences abound: Japan is seeking to restart nuclear reactors; ​China raised its target for renewable energy. Consumers too, will respond, judging by reports of frenzied electric-vehicle buying.

Brent prices ​are still meaningfully higher than their pre-conflict low-$70s a barrel in late February. Even still, they could prove to be too low. In a post on social media network X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on April 17 that “passage for all commercial vessels” through the Strait of Hormuz is “declared completely open for the ​remaining period” of a ceasefire that has now extended to Lebanon.

In a subsequent post ​on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump also said that the Strait is “completely open,” but added that a “naval blockade” will remain in place “as it pertains to Iran,” until “our transaction” is complete. ​US and Iranian negotiators are working towards a peace plan, Axios reported.

Bangladesh’s garment sector is going through a period of sustained pressure as the war in the Middle East disrupts production and international retailers scale back orders.

Western retailers are expected to cut apparel orders by up to 10 percent next season, as higher clothing prices dampen demand and unsold stock piles up in stores.

The latest setback is another blow for local manufacturers, who are already dealing with frequent load shedding, rising transport costs and a deepening fuel crunch following the US-Israel war on Iran.

Exporters say the war has already driven up raw material import bills and freight charges for shipments abroad.

The readymade garment sector, which accounts for more than 80 percent of national export earnings, had only just begun to steady itself after reciprocal tariff turbulence.

But now, conditions are combining to create a perfect storm for the readymade garment sector. Many fear the combined effect could lead to a decline in future orders.

Preferring anonymity, a senior official of a leading European buyer said that overall, 8 percent to 10 percent of garment work orders will be cut for the next season as buyers begin placing orders.

He said retailers and brands across the West are still burdened with unsold winter merchandise, while goods for the current season have already arrived. As a result, orders for the next cycle have slowed.

Amid the fuel crisis, the official said freight costs inside Bangladesh have also climbed. The fare of goods-laden trucks plying between Dhaka and Chattogram has risen, despite no official increase in petroleum prices.

Truck operators, citing fuel rationing, have raised per-truck charges to Tk 50,000 from Tk 38,000. On average, he said fares have increased by around 20 percent since the outbreak of the war.

Moreover, factories that depend on diesel generators are facing mounting disruption. Many report delays in getting adequate supplies, while cotton prices have risen, pushing yarn costs up by 17 percent to 18 percent.

“But buyers are reluctant to absorb higher prices,” said the official. “The consumers will not pay higher prices during the bad times because of an increase in the cost of production. So, at the end of the year, the overall export growth in the garment sector may be much lower than last year.”

Another European buyer, also requesting anonymity, said that the war has slowed down the business and the recovery is still very uncertain.

He added that demand for outerwear in Europe could rise next season as higher energy prices prompt consumers to buy warmer clothing. However, inventories are still elevated.

Ramzul Seraj, managing director of Elite Garments Ltd, which exports to the United States, said demand for garment items in the US has weakened, while factory output in Bangladesh has been hit by diesel shortages.

Delays in production could force some exporters to use more expensive air shipments to meet delivery deadlines, he added.

Masud Kabir, managing director of Motex Fashion, a Gazipur-based sweater factory, said he receives diesel using a special card introduced by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). But the supply falls short of covering nearly eight hours of load-shedding.

He can run the factory with the diesel collected from a nearby petrol pump for three and a half hours, he said. As a result, production has suffered.

Anwar Ul Alam Chowdhury, chairman of Evince Group, said the government is supplying diesel, but factories require larger volumes to operate generators smoothly.

Md Fazlul Hoque, managing director of Plummy Fashions, said inadequate diesel supplies have also disrupted his operations. At the same time, freight charges for sea shipments have increased, along with prices of cotton, yarn and polyester.

The combined effect, Hoque said, is a likely decline in future orders.

Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said some competing countries such as Turkey are expanding exports despite the war, helped by their proximity to Europe and the United States and more reliable energy supplies.

He also expressed concern that recurring two-to-three-hour power cuts could lead to greater reliance on costly air freight.

BGMEA Director Faisal Samad said the association is in contact with buyers, urging them to take into account the exceptional circumstances created by the global oil crisis. Since April 13, member factories have been able to access diesel on a priority basis through a special card facility.

“Even so, overall productivity has declined because of insufficient fuel supplies,” he said.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said buyers also want factories to keep running as this is a global crisis.

The DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Japan Securities Dealers Association (JSDA) to enhance cooperation and support the sustainable development of Bangladesh's capital market.

The agreement, signed virtually on Thursday (16 April), aims to improve market efficiency, strengthen governance, and promote international collaboration.

The DBA represents brokerage firms operating under the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), while JSDA functions as a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) and a key representative of Japan's securities industry.

According to its website, JSDA has around 500 member institutions, including securities firms, banks, and other financial entities.

The MoU was signed by Takashi Hibino, chairman and CEO of JSDA, and Saiful Islam, president of DBA, on behalf of their respective organisations.

In a press release, DBA said this is its first formal agreement with an international SRO, marking a significant milestone for the association.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate across several key areas, including the exchange of laws and regulations related to financial investment and capital markets, development of governance frameworks, policy-making processes, and operational practices of SROs.

The partnership will also focus on strengthening supervision and compliance mechanisms, enhancing financial transaction systems, promoting innovation in investment instruments and services, and expanding investor education programmes. Both sides will extend cooperation in other areas of mutual interest as needed.

Commenting on the development, Saiful Islam said the MoU represents a major step forward for Bangladesh's capital market.

"Partnering with a well-established and experienced self-regulatory organisation like JSDA will play a crucial role in strengthening our market structure, governance, and institutional capacity," he said.

He added that the collaboration would facilitate the exchange of global best practices and help make the country's capital market more modern, transparent, and investor-friendly.

Saiful Islam also expressed optimism that the agreement would contribute to building a more organised, dynamic, and internationally aligned capital market, benefiting all stakeholders.

The ongoing fuel crisis is disrupting irrigation for the ongoing boro season across multiple districts, with farmers and pump owners struggling to secure diesel at a critical stage of crop growth.

In districts including Brahmanbaria, Bogura, Naogaon, Rangpur, Sirajganj, Tangail and Khulna, farmers say diesel supply has fallen short, forcing them to wait for hours at filling stations or return without fuel. In many areas, diesel is being sold at Tk120-130 per litre, above the government rate, while in some cases it is not available even at pumps.

The shortage is delaying irrigation and increasing costs, as farmers are forced to buy diesel at higher prices or collect fuel from multiple sources. Power outages lasting seven to eight hours a day in some areas are also preventing electric pumps from operating, adding pressure on diesel-run irrigation systems.

Authorities have introduced measures such as priority cards and certification from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to manage supply. However, farmers say they are still not getting adequate fuel. Some pump owners also said they have not received such cards, while others said the supply does not match official claims of availability.

With most irrigation dependent on diesel, farmers say fields are drying due to delayed watering, crop growth is slowing at the paddy heading stage, and the risk of lower yields is increasing. Some also alleged that parts of the fuel supply are controlled by syndicates, contributing to scarcity, and called for stronger monitoring.

High diesel prices in Brahmanbaria

Farmers in Brahmanbaria are struggling to irrigate boro fields amid diesel shortages and load-shedding.

Pump owners said diesel is not available as required, while electric pumps cannot run due to power outages. Diesel is selling at Tk125-130 per litre in local markets.

Boro has been cultivated on 111,770 hectares in the district this season, with 4,338 diesel-run and 4,287 electric pumps in use.

Load-shedding has increased in rural areas, with many areas facing power cuts for seven to eight hours daily. As a result, electric irrigation pumps cannot be operated regularly.

The shortage has intensified since mid-March, with diesel often unavailable at filling stations and sold at higher prices when available.

Abdul Aziz from Ibrahimpur village in Nabinagar upazila said, "Diesel is available at Tk125 per litre, so we have to charge farmers more," adding that irrigation cost per kani has risen from Tk4,000 to Tk5,000.

Another farmer, Abdul Hannan from Akhaura upazila, said, "We cannot run pumps continuously and often have to collect diesel from different places, which increases costs."

Long queues in north

In Bogura, Angur Begum from Kagail area of Gabtali upazila said collecting diesel has become difficult, with long queues at filling stations and prices Tk10-15 higher per litre.

In Naogaon, a card system has been introduced to prioritise diesel supply, but farmers say supply remains inadequate. Rustam Ali from Bhimpur area of Naogaon Sadar upazila said, "We have to wait for hours, and it is becoming difficult to continue cultivation."

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), most irrigation systems in the region depend on diesel, and the shortage is severely disrupting irrigation. The district has set a target to cultivate boro on 132,410 hectares this season.

In Rangpur, Abdul Malek from Gangachara upazila said diesel is not being sold even when farmers go to filling stations with containers. "Farmers are in a difficult situation. If we cannot irrigate on time, the entire crop may be lost," he said, alleging that some dishonest traders are involved in a fuel syndicate and calling for stronger monitoring.

In Sirajganj, Naim Sheikh from Telkupi village in Khokshabari union said he sometimes buys diesel at Tk120 per litre after waiting for hours, as demand has increased at a critical stage of paddy growth.

Shahidul Islam from Barakandi village in Kamarkhand upazila said pump owners are reducing irrigation to cut costs due to the shortage. "This may lead to lower yield," he said.

50,000 pump owners 'face shortage' in Tangail

More than 50,000 diesel-run irrigation pump owners in Tangail are facing difficulties due to a fuel shortage during the boro season.

Ayub Khan from Gopalkeutail village in Tangail Sadar upazila said diesel is selling at Tk130 per litre against the government rate of Tk100, but remains unavailable. "Paddy is at a critical stage and lack of irrigation could cause losses," he said.

Local residents said the shortage has led to long queues at filling stations, with some remaining closed for one to two days.

Khokon Mia from the same village said he often travels long distances but returns without fuel. "We have not been able to meet demand for weeks," he said, adding that he received only 20 litres after waiting several hours.

"The situation on the ground does not match official claims of adequate supply," he added.

Md Azad Ali and Abdur Rouf from Omorpur village said they have not received farmer cards and already struggle to recover costs from paddy cultivation, adding that the diesel shortage would further increase losses.

Hours of wait even with certification in Khulna

Farmers in Khulna are struggling to get sufficient diesel despite certification from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), often returning with small amounts after waiting for hours.

Gouranga Mondal from Basurabad village in Sadar union of Batiaghata upazila said he has not been getting diesel for 15 days. "Even with certification, I got diesel worth only Tk500 after waiting in line. Without irrigation at this stage, yield will fall," he said.

Debabrata Mondal from the same village said crop growth has slowed as he could not irrigate for 10 days. "The agriculture office says the shortage is due to the ongoing conflict," he said.

Dip Narayan Biswas from Debitala village said he received 60 litres after 13 days using certification. "This will last a few days, but I do not know what will happen next," he said, adding that watermelon cultivation would face losses without regular irrigation.

Bangladesh’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector has grown rapidly, yet lacks the storage capacity to buffer itself against global market shocks, according to the president of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB).

“Expanding storage capacity is essential for improving supply security,” Mohammed Amirul Haque said in an interview with The Daily Star recently. “If operators can store larger volumes, they can better manage fluctuations in global supply and price movements.”

According to industry estimates, Bangladesh currently consumes around 17-18 lakh tonnes of LPG annually. Around 80 percent of this demand comes from households, mainly for cooking in areas where natural gas through pipeline is unavailable. Industrial, commercial, and autogas use together account for the remaining share.

Haque, also the managing director of Delta LPG Limited, said the country’s transition toward LPG took place over the last decade after the government decided to permanently halt new pipeline gas connections to households in order to manage limited domestic gas reserves.

He, however, pointed out that the industry’s dependence on imports means that the entire supply chain, from procurement to pricing, remains highly sensitive to global market conditions.

“Geopolitical tensions, disruptions in shipping routes, or volatility in international benchmark prices can directly affect supply costs and domestic pricing,” he said.

Most LPG used in Bangladesh is sourced from the Middle East, with prices typically linked to the Saudi Aramco Contract Price, which serves as a reference point for global LPG trade. Changes in that benchmark are quickly transmitted to the domestic market, leaving consumers exposed to international volatility.

“Any disruption in the international supply chain can affect Bangladesh’s LPG market because we do not have significant domestic production,” Haque said. “Even freight costs and insurance premiums can change depending on geopolitical developments, which ultimately affects the landed cost of LPG.”

Disruptions along major shipping corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Red Sea can have immediate repercussions on global LPG trade flows.

When global shipping rates rise, the additional cost is reflected in the final price of LPG in the domestic market.

Haque argued that the country’s growing LPG demand has intensified the need for stronger storage and distribution infrastructure. Currently, most operators rely on coastal storage terminals and bottling plants to distribute LPG cylinders across the country.

“Expanding storage capacity is essential for improving supply security,” he said. “If operators can store larger volumes, they can better manage fluctuations in global supply and price movements.”

Without sufficient storage, the market remains more vulnerable to sudden price spikes or supply delays, he added.

Diversifying import sources is another important strategy for reducing supply risk, the LOAB president also said, noting that Bangladesh relies heavily on a relatively small number of international suppliers.

By broadening procurement sources and strengthening supply agreements with multiple exporting countries, the industry could reduce its exposure to regional disruptions, he said.

Haque also called for infrastructure improvements at ports and terminals to support the continued expansion of the sector, noting that such logistical bottlenecks can slow shipment movement and increase costs.

Domestically, he said, private sector investment has played a major role in expanding LPG infrastructure across Bangladesh. Over the past decade, operators have invested heavily in bottling plants, storage facilities and distribution networks to support the growing market.

However, regulatory stability and predictable pricing mechanisms are also crucial for maintaining investor confidence in a market that is closely tied to global energy dynamics.

Local LPG prices are regulated by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, which adjusts retail prices in line with international benchmarks. While this mechanism provides transparency, sudden changes in global prices can still create challenges for both operators and consumers.

“Transparent and predictable pricing mechanisms are essential,” Haque said. “When international prices rise, adjustments should be gradual so that consumers are not suddenly burdened while the industry remains financially viable.”

He expects demand for LPG to continue growing as urbanisation increases and more households move away from traditional cooking fuels such as firewood and biomass.

Industrial and commercial sectors are also gradually expanding their use of LPG due to its efficiency and environmental advantages compared with some conventional fuels.

Industry projections suggest that Bangladesh’s LPG consumption could reach around 40 lakh tonnes annually over the next decade if infrastructure and policy support keep pace with demand.

However, the country’s continued reliance on imported LPG means that global market conditions will remain a defining factor in the sector’s long-term stability.

Strengthening storage capacity, diversifying supply sources, improving port infrastructure and ensuring regulatory consistency will be key steps toward building a more resilient LPG supply chain, said Haque.

Iran said it was tightening control over the ​Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (18 April), warning mariners that the energy lifeline was again closed, as shipping sources said at least two vessels reported coming under fire while trying to transit the waterway.

Tehran said it ‌was responding to a continued US blockade of Iranian ports, calling it a violation of their ceasefire, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Iran's navy was ready to inflict "new bitter defeats" on its enemies.

Tehran's renewed tough messaging injected fresh uncertainty around the Iran conflict, raising the risk that oil and gas shipments through the Strait could remain disrupted just as Washington weighs whether to extend the fragile ceasefire.

Some merchant vessels received radio messages from Iran's navy saying no ships were allowed through the waterway, maritime security and shipping sources said, reversing signs earlier in the day that traffic ​might resume.

At least two vessels reported being hit by gunfire as they attempted to cross the strait, the sources said.

Earlier, maritime trackers had shown a convoy of eight tankers transiting the narrow passage in the first major movement ​of ships since the US-Israeli war on Iran began seven weeks ago.

US-Iran ceasefire due to end on Wednesday

Hours earlier, US President Donald Trump had cited "some pretty good news" about Iran, declining to ⁠elaborate. But he also said fighting might resume without a peace deal by Wednesday, when the two-week ceasefire expires.

Iran had announced its temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a separate US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon. Israel ​invaded parts of southern Lebanon after the Iran-allied Hezbollah militant group joined the fighting in early March.

But on Saturday Iran's armed forces command said transit through the strait had reverted to a state of strict Iranian military control, citing what it described ​as repeated US violations and acts of "piracy" under the guise of a blockade.

The spokesperson said Iran had earlier agreed, "in good faith," to the managed passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial vessels following negotiations, but said continued US actions had forced Tehran to restore tighter controls on shipping through the strategic chokepoint.

US Central Command said in a statement that American forces were enforcing a maritime blockade of Iran, but did not comment on the latest Iranian actions.

Unclear if any direct talks this weekend

The war with Iran, which began on 28 February with a US-Israeli ​attack on the Islamic Republic, has killed thousands, spread to Israeli attacks in Lebanon and sent oil prices surging because of the de facto closure of the strait.

Despite the initial movement of ships, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, said no ​date had been set for the next round of negotiations, adding that a framework of understanding must be agreed first.

Asked about reports Tehran had closed the Strait, he said that the Americans had violated the terms of the ceasefire, and so "there will be repercussions for them".

Pressure for ‌a way out ⁠of the war has mounted as Trump's fellow Republicans defend narrow majorities in Congress in the November midterm elections with US gasoline prices high, inflation rising and his own approval ratings down.

"It seems to be going very well in the Middle East with Iran," Trump told reporters on Air Force One while returning to Washington from Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday. "We're negotiating over the weekend. I expect things to go well. Many of these things have been negotiated and agreed to.

"The main thing is that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, and that supersedes everything else."

But in sharp contrast, Trump also said he might end the ceasefire with Iran unless a long-term deal to end the war was agreed before it ​expires on Wednesday, adding that a US blockade of Iranian ports ​would continue.

Trump has told Reuters there would probably be ⁠more direct talks between Iran and the US this weekend. Some diplomats said that was unlikely given the logistics of gathering in Islamabad, where the talks are expected to take place.

There were no signs of preparations early on Saturday for talks in the Pakistani capital, where the highest-level US-Iran negotiations since the 1979 Islamic Revolution ended without agreement last weekend.

The key Pakistani mediator, ​army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, has concluded three days of talks in Tehran, the Pakistani military said. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also returning to Islamabad after talks ​this week in Qatar, Saudi Arabia ⁠and Turkey.

A Pakistani source aware of mediation efforts said a meeting between Iran and the US could produce an initial memorandum of understanding, followed by a comprehensive peace agreement within 60 days.

No clarity on Iran's nuclear programme

Differences remained over Tehran's nuclear programme, which has been a sticking point in peace talks, with Iran defending its right to what it says is a civilian nuclear energy programme.

Trump told Reuters the US would remove Iran's stockpiles of enriched uranium. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson told state TV the material would not be transferred ⁠anywhere.

Separately, a senior ​Iranian official said Tehran hoped a preliminary agreement could be reached in the coming days.

Oil prices , fell about 10% and global stocks jumped on Friday on ​the prospect of marine traffic resuming through the strait. Despite that, hundreds of vessels and about 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf awaiting passage through the waterway, shipping sources said.

At last weekend's talks, the US proposed a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activity, while Iran suggested a halt of ​three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals.

Two Iranian sources have said there were signs of a compromise that could remove part of the stockpile.

The unequal agreement signed by the interim government with the US poses a major obstacle to energy security in Bangladesh rather than the disruption in fuel imports through the Strait of Hormuz, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, a public policy analyst.

“The Strait of Hormuz is indeed an obstacle to fuel imports, but the US trade agreement is a bigger barrier,” he said at a pre-budget shadow parliamentary debate competition organised by the Debate for Democracy on Saturday.

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed on February 9, just three days before the election, commits Bangladesh to purchasing $15 billion in US energy products, including LNG, over 15 years. It also restricts Bangladesh’s ability to buy cheaper fuel from countries under US sanctions such as Russia.

“The current government says it will not pursue country-specific foreign policies. Yet, that is exactly what is happening in the trade deal -- we now need permission regarding whom we can buy oil from,” said Bhattacharya, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

However, Bangladesh should make the best of the 60-day waiver offered by the US on oil purchases from Russia.

While criticising the deposed government, Bhattacharya said the energy policy was confusing and controversial, with exploitative policies adopted by an unholy nexus of bureaucrats, business groups and politicians.

Instead of productive investment, priority was given to import-dependent energy strategies to serve vested interests, leading to the import of LNG instead of domestic gas exploration.

Institutions like the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) were weakened.

There were major irregularities in energy imports, Bhattacharya said.

The government has formed a cabinet committee on energy security, but it should inform the public about its activities through transparency and bring the matter for discussion in the national parliament.

Although the government has spoken about forming a reform commission in line with its electoral promises, it has not yet been made visible.

The government should clearly disclose its plans for reforms in public financial management, revenue collection and incentives, Bhattacharya added.

While moderating the programme, Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron, chairman of the Debate for Democracy, said that due to past corruption, Bangladesh failed to achieve self-reliance in energy.

Import dependence was increased for vested interests, while domestic production was neglected.

Therefore, ensuring energy security will be a major challenge for the government in the upcoming budget, he said.

The upcoming budget must reflect the expectations of ordinary people.

During a crisis, a people-friendly, business-friendly, sustainable and cautious budget needs to be presented.

The new government, which has achieved a large mandate, must maintain its popularity by presenting a budget that ensures maximum welfare, avoids placing pressure on lower- and middle-income groups, prevents public suffering and maintains price stability.

Additionally, to keep the economy active and ensure investment and employment growth, a hassle-free business environment must be created.

Therefore, the upcoming budget must be people-oriented and practical, he said.

Stock markets fell on Friday as investors awaited news of an extension to the Iran-US ceasefire, while crude prices edged back down following the previous day's rally.

The losses follow a healthy, record-breaking week for equities, fuelled by hopes the Middle East war, which is heading into a seventh week, could be close to an end after Donald Trump said negotiators were close to a deal.

But worries abound that a shaky truce agreed earlier this month -- and which ends next week -- could fall apart and spark a fresh market rout.

The US president on Thursday struck an optimistic tone, telling reporters that "it's looking very good that we're going to make a deal with Iran, and it's going to be a good deal", adding that talks between Washington and Tehran could resume this weekend.

He also claimed Iran had "agreed to give us back the nuclear dust", using his name for the country's enriched uranium stockpile, and the deal would include "free oil" as well as the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

"We had to make sure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon," Trump said at the White House. "They've totally agreed to that. They've agreed to almost everything, so maybe if they can get to the table, there's a difference."

Iran has given no public indication that it would surrender its stockpile.

However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took a tough line on the situation earlier in the day, telling a Pentagon news conference: "If Iran chooses poorly, then they will have a blockade and bombs dropping on infrastructure, power and energy."

Meanwhile, some Gulf Arab and European leaders fear a long-term agreement could take six months to achieve and called for the truce to cover such a time period, Bloomberg reported.

They wanted the Strait of Hormuz -- through which about a fifth of global oil and LNG passes -- opened immediately and have warned in private of a global food crisis if that is not achieved by next month, the report said.

Fragile sentiment

Stocks fell across the region, with Tokyo, which hit a record high Thursday, among the biggest losers, with Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Wellington, Manila and Singapore also well down.

Taiwan's TAIEX dropped. On Thursday it hit a market capitalisation of US$4.14 trillion to top the UK's market capitalisation and become the world's seventh biggest, according to Bloomberg data.

London edged lower, Paris edged up, and Frankfurt was flat.

That came even after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq enjoyed record closes on Wall Street.

Analysts said traders were heading into the weekend to position for any surprise developments.

Oil prices dropped, a day after sharp gains, though both main contracts remain just below $100 a barrel.

There was some support from a 10-day ceasefire agreed between Israel and Lebanon that took effect at 2100 GMT Thursday.

Tel Aviv has sent troops into its northern neighbour since militant group Hezbollah launched rocket attacks in support of Iran last month.

Hezbollah has not officially said if it will recognise the ceasefire, but one of its lawmakers told AFP on Thursday that the group would respect it if Israeli attacks on its militants stopped.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 10-day ceasefire with Lebanon offered an opportunity for a "historic peace agreement", but insisted that the disarmament of militant group Hezbollah remained a precondition.

Trump said he will invite the countries' leaders to the White House.

"While investors remain buoyed by talks of an extension in the US-Iran ceasefire and an announced Israel-Lebanon 10-day ceasefire, risk sentiment remains fragile as an immediate deal remains unlikely given that the countries remain far apart on key issues," wrote National Australia Bank's Skye Masters.

Fiona Cincotta of City Index said, "While risks remain -- particularly around disruptions to key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz -- markets are increasingly pricing in a scenario where oil prices have peaked unless tensions re-escalate."

But she warned, "the outlook remains fragile. A breakdown in diplomacy or renewed escalation could quickly reverse recent gains".

Key figures around 0715 GMT

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.8 percent at 58,475.90 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 1.2 percent at 26,087.89

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 4,051.43 (close)

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 10,584.26

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 1.0 percent at $93.73 a barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.6 percent at $98.76 a barrel

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1777 from $1.1784 on Thursday

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3507 from $1.3529

Dollar/yen: UP at 159.40 yen from 159.14 yen

Euro/pound: UP at 87.17 pence from 87.09 pence

New York - Dow Jones: UP 0.2 percent at 48,578.72 (close)

Bangladesh has surpassed all previous records for wheat imports with nearly three months of the financial year still remaining, driven by growing demand from bakeries, processed food manufacturers, and fish feed producers, combined with lower global prices.

Officials at the food ministry say another 10-15 lakh tonnes of wheat could be imported in the remaining period of the 2025-26 fiscal year.

According to ministry data, 5.83 lakh tonnes of wheat were imported by the government and 61.6 lakh tonnes by the private sector during the first nine months of the fiscal year, totalling the figure to 67.43 lakh tonnes. In FY25, total wheat imports stood at 62.35 lakh tonnes.

Speaking to The Business Standard, industry insiders say wheat demand has risen sharply because of changing food habits and greater use of wheat in bakery products, processed foods and fish feed. Lower prices in the international market have also encouraged companies to buy more than their immediate requirements.

Md Moniruzzaman, director of procurement at the Directorate General of Food, said changing food habits had increased wheat demand in recent years. "This year, wheat imports have reached the highest level in the country's history."

Bangladesh's annual wheat requirement is estimated at 70-80 lakh tonnes. In addition to imports, the country produces around 10-12 lakh tonnes of wheat domestically each year. The Department of Agricultural Extension forecasts local wheat production at 11.14 lakh tonnes in the current fiscal year, up from 10.41 lakh tonnes a year earlier.

The pace of imports has accelerated significantly in recent months. Bangladesh imported 35.35 lakh tonnes of wheat in the first six months of the fiscal year, while another 32.08 lakh tonnes arrived between January and 8 April alone.

Sector insiders say wheat prices surged to record levels in 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine war, but fell to nearly half by the middle of last year and have since remained relatively stable. The lower prices have prompted private companies to increase purchases.

Private sector representatives say demand for bakery products has grown steadily as consumer preferences shift. A decade ago, only a handful of industrial groups marketed processed food products, but now the number is rising continuously. Alongside small bakeries, major industrial groups are making substantial investments in the sector.

Demand has also increased for eateries, restaurants and street food stalls. Wheat is now widely used in the production of noodles, biscuits, bread, chanachur, snacks, dried foods and frozen foods for both the domestic and export markets.

Pran-RFL Group, one of the country's largest food producers, now requires around 2.5 lakh tonnes of wheat a year for its food processing operations, up from about 1.8 lakh tonnes two to three years ago.

Kamruzzaman Kamal, marketing director at Pran-RFL Group, said the processed food market is expanding rapidly and becoming more diversified.

"Demand for wheat-based food products is rising among consumers. These products are being sold not only in the domestic market but also exported abroad," he said.

Echoing Kamal, Taslim Shahriar, deputy general manager of Meghna Group of Industries, said wheat imports have increased because of greater dietary diversity and stronger consumer demand.

Similar views were shared by FH Ansarey, managing director of ACI Agrolink Ltd. Consumers are showing more interest in wheat-based foods than rice because of growing health awareness, he said.

Changing food habits

Although there is no official estimate of the size of the bakery market, industry representatives believe it is worth around Tk15,000 crore. There are around 7,000 manual and live bakeries across the country, employing nearly 10 lakh people. Almost 1,000 bakeries operate in the capital alone.

Corporate investment in the bakery industry has also increased markedly over the past few years, contributing to greater use of wheat.

Md Rezaul Haque Rezu, general secretary of the Bangladesh Bread, Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers Association and owner of Haque Bakery, said the industry had suffered first during the pandemic and later because of the Russia-Ukraine war, when many bakeries closed as most wheat imports came from Ukraine.

"Over the last one to one-and-a-half years, the bakery sector has recovered significantly," he said.

"The industry is becoming more diversified and demand is increasing. Many people are eating less rice because of diabetes, while younger consumers are more interested in bakery products. Overall wheat consumption in the country is rising."

Data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics show that changing food habits are contributing to the shift towards wheat. According to the Household Income and Expenditure Survey published in 2023, per capita daily consumption of wheat-based foods rose from 19.8 grams in 2016 to 22.9 grams in 2022, an increase of 15.65%.

Among urban consumers, wheat consumption increased by nearly 26% over the same period, while per capita rice consumption fell by 10.43%.

Rising rice prices and falling wheat prices have also encouraged consumers to switch. Three years ago, loose flour cost Tk8-9 more per kg than coarse rice. Now flour is around Tk15 cheaper.

According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh, coarse rice currently sells for Tk55-60 per kg, while loose flour costs Tk40-45. In 2023, coarse rice was priced at Tk46-50 per kg, compared with Tk55-58 for flour.

Rising demand in feed industry

Demand for wheat has also increased in the feed industry. Wheat bran is used in animal feed, while wheat itself is widely used in fish feed.

Md Anwarul Haque, general secretary of the Feed Industries Association Bangladesh and managing director of Padma Feed and Chicks Ltd, said fish feed typically contains 18-22% wheat.

"Commercial fish farming is expanding, so demand for feed is also rising. Floating feed is widely used in fish farming, which has increased wheat use in this sector more than ever before," he said.

He added that wheat bran was also used extensively in livestock feed.

Different thoughts

However, not all importers believe the rise reflects a structural increase in demand. Md Shafiul Athar Taslim, director of TK Group, said there is a large market for wheat-based products but argued that imports this year have exceeded actual demand.

"It cannot be said that demand has increased significantly. More wheat has been imported this year than is required. In some years imports are lower, in others they are higher," he said.

Two listed non-life insurance companies – Bangladesh National Insurance Company and Central Insurance Company have declared cash dividends for the year ended 31 December 2025, as both firms posted earnings growth alongside contrasting cash flow performances.

Bangladesh National Insurance Company has recommended a 22% cash dividend for the period. The insurer will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on 23 June 2026 through a digital platform, while the record date has been set for 13 May 2026.

The company's share price on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) declined 1.66% to Tk70.90 on Thursday.

Despite the market dip, the insurer posted stronger financial results in 2025. Its earnings per share (EPS) rose to Tk4.81 from Tk4.19 a year earlier, while net asset value (NAV) per share increased to Tk31.26 from Tk28.45, indicating improved profitability and asset growth.

However, net operating cash flow per share (NOCFPS) fell sharply to Tk4.10 from Tk6.71 in 2024, signalling weaker cash generation from core operations.

The company provides general insurance services across fire, motor, marine, engineering, personal accident, contractor all risk, industrial all risk and health insurance segments.

Meanwhile, Central Insurance Company has recommended a 12% cash dividend for the same financial year. Its AGM will be held on 18 June 2026 via a digital platform, with the record date fixed for 20 May 2026.

The company's share price slipped slightly by 0.25% to Tk40.40 on Thursday's trading session at the DSE.

Central Insurance recorded modest financial growth in 2025, with EPS rising to Tk1.87 from Tk1.85 and NAV per share improving to Tk50.69 from Tk50.17, reflecting stable performance.

Unlike Bangladesh National Insurance, the company saw a slight improvement in cash flow, with NOCFPS increasing to Tk1.64 from Tk1.50 a year earlier.

Its insurance portfolio includes fire, marine cargo, marine hull, engineering, motor, liability, aviation, overseas mediclaim and other miscellaneous products.

Analysts said both insurers maintained operational stability through steady EPS and NAV growth. However, they cautioned that diverging cash flow trends highlight the need for closer scrutiny of liquidity conditions, particularly for Bangladesh National Insurance.

They added that while earnings remain positive, sustained cash generation will be key to assessing long-term financial strength.

The ongoing US-Israel war on Iran has disrupted global trade and weighed on economic growth, but some sectors are benefiting from heightened volatility and shifting policy priorities.

The International Monetary Fund has cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1%, citing supply disruptions linked in part to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Gulf energy infrastructure, says Al Jazeera.

Here are five sectors that analysts say are seeing gains:

Why are Wall Street banks benefiting?

Major US investment banks have reported higher profits as market volatility drives trading activity and portfolio shifts.

Morgan Stanley posted a 29% rise in profit to $5.57 billion, while Goldman Sachs reported a 19% increase to $5.63 billion. JPMorgan Chase recorded a 13% gain to $16.49 billion.

Banks cited "robust client engagement" to explain the results. Analysts say frequent repositioning by investors—sometimes referred to by traders as the "TACO trade," short for "Trump Always Chickens Out"—has boosted commissions and trading revenues.

"Clients want to reposition, so they trade frequently. Spreads tend to increase, which increases the profitability for trade intermediaries like banks," said Sean Dunlap, director of equity research at Morningstar Research Services.

What is driving growth in prediction markets?

Crypto-based prediction platforms are drawing increased attention as users speculate on geopolitical outcomes.

Polymarket has expanded rapidly, revising its fee structure in March 2026 and generating more than $21 million in fees in early April alone.

Regulators are examining the sector over concerns about potential insider trading linked to event-based betting, while data suggests the majority of gains accrue to a small share of users.

How is the defense sector performing?

Global military spending has risen amid conflicts in Iran, Ukraine and Gaza, supporting defense contractors.

Members of NATO have pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, particularly in Europe.

The MSCI World Aerospace and Defense Index has delivered net returns of about 32% year-on-year, outperforming broader equity benchmarks.

Why is artificial intelligence holding up?

The AI sector has remained resilient despite wider economic uncertainty, supported by strong demand for computing infrastructure.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reported first-quarter net income of $18.1 billion, up 58% from a year earlier, reflecting continued demand for advanced semiconductors.

Companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic are also pursuing plans to go public, signaling investor interest in the sector.

"Despite the shocks from the Iran war, we're still seeing resilience in a lot of sectors like artificial intelligence and renewable energy," said Nick Marro, lead analyst for global trade at the Economist Intelligence Unit.

How is the war affecting renewable energy?

Energy supply disruptions have accelerated investment in alternatives to fossil fuels.

Countries in Asia, many of which rely heavily on shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, are increasing support for solar, wind and nuclear power as part of energy security strategies.

"Boosted" renewable energy "given the urgency to switch away from fossil fuels and diversify towards renewable sources," said Nick Marro.

A report from the International Energy Agency said: "150 countries have active policies to advance renewable and nuclear deployment, 130 have energy efficiency and electrification policies, and 32 have policies to incentivise supply chain resilience and diversification across critical minerals and clean energy technologies."

The S&P Global Clean Energy Transition Index has risen nearly 71% year-on-year, reflecting increased policy backing and investor demand.

What is the broader outlook?

While these sectors are benefiting, economists warn that prolonged conflict and supply disruptions could continue to weigh on global growth, trade and energy markets, underscoring uneven economic effects from the war.

President Donald Trump's administration plans to launch next Monday the system it will use for issuing refunds to American importers for $166 billion the companies paid in tariffs that ‌the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in February as unlawful.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a court filing on Tuesday that it has completed the development of the initial phase of the refund system, known as CAPE. The system will consolidate refunds so importers will receive one electronic payment, with interest when applicable, rather than processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis.

Agency official ⁠Brandon Lord made the declaration in the filing with the New York-based Court of International Trade. The agency disclosed the CAPE launch date in a separate announcement on Friday.

The Supreme Court ruled that Trump overstepped his authority in imposing sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a 1977 law meant for use in national emergencies.

Tuesday's filing said that as of April 9 some 56,497 importers had completed the process to receive electronic refunds for tariffs affected by the court's ruling, an amount totaling $127 billion.

The agency has said it plans to roll out the refund system in ‌phases.

Lord ⁠said in his declaration that the agency is considering options for processing refunds on a subset of entries that were subject to $2.9 billion in tariffs. Lord said these normally would require manual processing, which would dramatically increase the workload and divert personnel from the agency's trade operations and enforcement.

After the Supreme Court's decision, ⁠importers sued for refunds in the Court of International Trade, which is monitoring the development of the refund system.

More than 330,000 importers paid the tariffs at issue on 53 million shipments of imported goods, according to court ⁠documents.

Customs and Border Protection has said the CAPE system will initially process refunds on recently imported goods and straightforward entries.

Many smaller importers feared the cost of the refund process would outweigh the ⁠benefits of trying to get reimbursed, forcing some companies to explore creative financing options related to refunds.

Trump denounced the Supreme Court after its ruling and imposed a new temporary global tariff under a different law, though that also has been challenged in court.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought a US$ 2 billion fund from development partners to meet Bangladesh’s immediate energy needs and safeguard economic stability amid the ongoing global energy crisis.

“The situation before us demands urgency, solidarity, and decisive action. Immediate support for the most vulnerable countries must be at the top of our collective agenda,” he said while addressing the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit.

“We urge the international community to respond swiftly and positively to this call,” he added.

The prime minister said the energy crisis is a stark reminder of the shared vulnerability and interdependence of countries, regardless of size or strength.

He stressed that Asia requires a coordinated and forward-looking response to strengthen energy security, address immediate supply disruptions, and support the most vulnerable nations.

Tarique said the crisis has already disrupted Bangladesh’s economy. “In response, we have taken a range of short-term measures to contain the impact,” he said.

These measures include demand-side management through the rationing of government office and market hours; stabilising fuel supplies through emergency imports and diversified sourcing; and consumption controls, including fuel rationing and limits on retail sales to prevent hoarding and panic buying through initiatives such as the "Fuel App".

He warned that the scale and consequences of the crisis could exceed those of the 1970s oil shock, which triggered a decade of stalled development in the 1980s.

Since independence in 1971, he said, Bangladesh has worked relentlessly to drive economic growth, lift millions out of poverty, and improve living standards.

“Today, these hard-earned gains are in danger of being reversed,” he added.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh is not alone in facing this risk, nor can it overcome the challenge through national efforts alone.

“This moment calls for decisive and coordinated global action to contain the impact of the ongoing energy crisis, particularly to protect vulnerable countries, including the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), from severe economic and social consequences,” he said.

He also thanked Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who delivered the concluding remarks, for convening the timely summit.

Leaders from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Japan, and other countries took part in the online meeting.

The prime minister delivered his speech from his Sangsad Bhaban office. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Foreign Affairs Adviser M Humayun Kabir were also present.

Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday ​as investors assessed prospects for renewed US–Iran talks and the potential for supply to be released from the ‌Middle East, where exports remain constrained by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures were up 43 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $95.22 a barrel at 0821 GMT, after falling 4.6 percent in the previous session. US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 17 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $91.11. The contract dropped 7.9 percent the ​session before.

The war has mostly shut the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for crude and refined product flows out ​of the Gulf to global buyers, particularly in Asia and Europe.

US President Donald Trump said talks with Tehran on ending the war could resume this week after ending over the weekend without any agreement.

But the US has also ​enacted a blockade of shipping leaving Iranian ports that its military said on Wednesday has completely halted trade going in and out of the ​country by sea.

Despite a two-week ceasefire, transit through the strait remains uncertain, with traffic at only a fraction of the 130-plus daily crossings that moved through the waterway before the war, sources said on Tuesday.

“The trajectory of oil prices will likely hinge less on battlefield developments and more on diplomatic momentum. Markets are ​increasingly reacting to headlines around negotiations rather than troop deployments,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

“Each signal of renewed ​dialogue has been met with price declines, suggesting that traders are systematically unwinding the ‘war premium’ embedded into crude earlier this month.”

Refiners are desperately seeking alternative ‌crude supply, ⁠pushing up the premiums they are willing to pay for oil from areas such as the US Gulf Coast and North Sea. A cargo of WTI Midland for delivery to Rotterdam traded at a record premium of $22.80 a barrel above benchmark European prices on Tuesday.

A US destroyer stopped two oil tankers from leaving Iran on Tuesday, a US official said.

“The Strait of Hormuz is not Trump’s alone to reopen,” said SEB analyst ​Ole Hvalbye. “Iran has its own calculus, ​and the regime may find ⁠it strategically useful to keep flows restricted even after any peace deal, whether to extract reparations, guarantee security, or simply to inflict political pain ahead of the November US midterm elections.”

The market stands ​to lose some access to further supply after two US administration officials told Reuters on Tuesday the ​US will not renew ⁠a 30-day waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil at sea that expires this week, and quietly let a similar waiver on sanctions on Russian oil expire over the weekend.

Later in the day, markets will be watching for official US inventory data from the Energy Information Administration, due ⁠at 10:30 ​a.m. ET (1430 GMT).

US crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen slightly last ​week, while distillate and gasoline inventories likely fell, a Reuters poll showed.

Market sources familiar with American Petroleum Institute figures said on Tuesday US crude oil inventories jumped for a third ​straight week.

While the World Bank and Asian Development Bank had lowered Bangladesh’s GDP growth forecast due to the Persian Gulf crisis and domestic vulnerabilities, the International Monetary Fund has kept its earlier projection unchanged.

The IMF’s World Economic Outlook released on Tuesday projects Bangladesh’s GDP growth at 4.7 percent for FY2025-26, which was the same as its earlier projection from January.

However, IMF’s growth projection is set to dip further to 4.3 percent in the next fiscal.

The World Bank revised its projection down to 3.9 percent growth from 4.6, while the ADB revised its forecast down to 4 percent from its previous projection of 4.7 percent.

Former World Bank lead economist Zahid Hussain told The Daily Star that the IMF’s forecast “appears rather strange,” adding that “it is the same as projected in their Article IV report released in January 2026.”

The absence of any impact of the war in the current fiscal year is inconsistent with their own assumption that economies with vulnerabilities and limited buffers are likely to be hit hardest. Bangladesh is one such economy.

He also said individuals and firms in Bangladesh have been living with the growth and inflation impacts ever since the war started. There is no reason in fact or logic to believe Bangladesh will remain insulated from the impact of the war for four months.

Hussain noted that the IMF’s 4.3 percent growth projection for FY27 is more realistic if its reference scenario, in which the war shock fades by June, materialises.

The government, however, remains confident, insisting that GDP growth will reach 5 percent in 2026.

The ongoing Middle East conflict is severely disrupting production in the garment sector due to energy shortages, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said yesterday.

He made the statement at a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir at the minister’s office in Dhaka, where he led a BGMEA business delegation.

Khan said the sector is facing a crisis due to global economic instability, the impact of the Middle East conflict, and severe gas and electricity shortages in the country, according to a BGMEA statement after the meeting.

He also said rising raw material prices and higher production costs have further worsened the situation.

In such a difficult time, strong policy support from the government and a business-friendly environment are essential to stay competitive in the international market, he added.

Khan also spoke about the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC), saying it was formed mainly to address future industry challenges, including monitoring building, fire, and electrical safety standards.

However, he said that social compliance issues such as wages and trade unions are not within its core responsibility.

Khan added that expanding its role into these areas would create extra administrative and financial burdens on the industry, which is not desirable.

He also stressed that any decision in this regard must be made in line with stakeholders’ views and national laws, the statement read.

During the meeting, the BGMEA chief called for an amendment to the current import policy to simplify the import of raw materials on a free of cost (FOC) basis.

He also requested a revision of relevant clauses in the Import Policy Order to remove the requirement for bond licences when supplying goods from bonded exporters to non-bonded direct exporters.

BGMEA leaders urged the withdrawal of the existing 10 percent income tax deduction on cash incentives to boost garment exports.

They also called for normalising trade relations with India and removing barriers to yarn imports and product exports through land ports.

To further speed up garment exports, they proposed amending relevant sections of the Import Policy 2024-2027 and automating the process for determining CIP (Commercially Important Person) status for industry entrepreneurs.

The minister acknowledged the importance of the sector as the country’s leading foreign currency earner in the current global context.

He assured that the government would provide necessary policy support to address challenges and maintain Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the global market, the statement added.