The U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran that began on February 28 has raised concerns about the stability of the petrodollar system, which has underpinned global oil trade since a 1974 U.S.-Gulf agreement. Analysts warn that Iran’s decision to impose yuan-based tariffs on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz could weaken the dollar’s role as the world’s primary energy currency. Deutsche Bank strategists noted that the conflict is testing the long-standing “oil-for-security” arrangement that has supported U.S. financial power for five decades.

Iran now controls access to the Hormuz Strait, through which 20 percent of global oil and gas normally pass. Tehran has restricted U.S. and Israeli-linked vessels while allowing limited passage to tankers paying in Chinese yuan. CNBC reported that Iran exported about 11.7 million barrels of crude to China since the conflict began. Meanwhile, China has increased its crude reserves to 1.2 billion barrels, enough for three to four months of demand.

Experts suggest the war could accelerate a shift toward a “petro-yuan” system, especially as global reserves diversify away from the dollar. Deutsche Bank’s Mallika Sachdeva described the conflict as marking the beginning of this transition.

A fragile ceasefire between Iran, the United States, and Israel has been announced, but experts caution that oil and gas prices will take months to return to previous levels. During the conflict, Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20 percent of global oil and gas exports, causing prices to surge. Attacks on energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries also pushed up helium prices and disrupted fertilizer production, worsening inflation and shortages, particularly in developing nations across Asia and Africa.

Tufts University professor Rockford Wizd said no one knows when conditions will normalize, emphasizing that stability depends on safe and regular shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the conflict, 120 to 140 ships crossed daily, but only five and seven ships passed on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Reports suggested Iran was charging tankers fees, prompting former U.S. President Donald Trump to call for an end to such charges. The IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva warned that global growth forecasts will be lowered next week, even if the ceasefire holds.

Iraq could resume production of 3.5 million barrels per day, which may help reduce prices, but uncertainty over the ceasefire and past attacks keeps its output outlook unclear.

A persistent fuel shortage in Bangladesh’s Rangpur Division has intensified over the past six weeks, severely affecting daily life and work. Despite an average daily demand of 1 million liters of diesel, only 900,000 liters are being supplied. Supplies of petrol and octane have also dropped sharply, forcing many residents to stop using their motorcycles. Government-imposed time restrictions on fuel sales—from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays—have further complicated access.

Local workers, teachers, and service employees report losing several hours each day waiting in long queues at filling stations. Many fuel pumps have closed due to insufficient supply, while others operate intermittently. Pump managers say depot deliveries are irregular and inadequate to meet demand. The Rangpur Petrol Pump Owners Association warns that without quick improvement in supply, owners could face heavy financial losses.

Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam acknowledged shortages in petrol and octane but said diesel supply remains stable. He expressed hope that the crisis would be resolved soon and urged the public to use fuel responsibly.

ACI Europe has warned that Europe could face a severe jet fuel shortage within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened. In a letter to the European Commission’s energy and tourism commissioners, the organization said its members are increasingly concerned about fuel availability. The warning highlights the potential disruption to airport operations and air connectivity, which could significantly affect European economies and communities.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s key energy routes, supplying nearly half of Europe’s jet fuel imports. ACI Europe’s director general said that without a stable resumption of fuel supply through the strait, a structural fuel crisis in the European Union would be inevitable. In anticipation of shortages, several airlines have already reduced flights and raised passenger fares.

Jet fuel prices in Europe have surged to a record high of $1,838 per ton, up from $831 before the conflict began, underscoring the growing pressure on the aviation sector.

City Bank PLC achieved the highest profit in its history in 2025, reporting a consolidated net profit of Tk 1,324 crore, up 31% from Tk 1,014 crore the previous year. The bank’s standalone profit was Tk 1,306 crore, with its four subsidiaries contributing an additional Tk 18 crore. This growth was driven by strong income expansion, disciplined cost management, and prudent risk control.

Interest income from loans rose 24% to Tk 5,452 crore, while the non-performing loan ratio improved to 2.5% from 3.7%. Despite inflationary pressure, the bank maintained deposit costs at 5.5%, supported by strategic investments in government securities, which contributed 26% of total operating income. Total operating income reached Tk 4,888 crore, with expenses at Tk 2,160 crore, keeping the cost-to-income ratio at 44%.

Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin expressed satisfaction with the results but noted that higher provisioning expenses of Tk 815 crore prevented profit from reaching Tk 1,500 crore. He highlighted strong performance across all core banking segments, particularly retail and card businesses, which grew 33% year-on-year.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru stated that rebuilding public trust has become a major challenge for the new BNP-led government. He made the remarks on Friday, April 10, during a statement under Rule 300 in the National Parliament, which began its session earlier that morning under the chairmanship of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Khasru said the government assumed office at a time when nearly all economic indicators are under pressure.

In his address, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury acknowledged that the economic challenges are deep and multidimensional but expressed hope that good governance, reforms, and public participation could help overcome the situation. He criticized the previous government for corruption and mismanagement, claiming that mega projects failed to deliver expected benefits and led to large-scale capital flight. He argued that the economy had lost its industrial momentum, resulting in reduced employment and productivity.

The minister also emphasized the current government’s commitment to building a developed, dignified, and equitable state, outlining its guiding philosophy and policy direction to the nation.

Farmers in the haor areas of Kishoreganj, including Austagram, Itna, and Mithamain, are facing uncertainty over harvesting and transporting Boro rice due to a severe fuel shortage. The crisis, reported on April 10, 2026, stems from rising diesel prices influenced by international instability. Farmers fear that without timely fuel supply, harvesting and storage will be severely disrupted, increasing production costs and threatening the local agricultural economy.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, 67,230 hectares of land in the three upazilas have been cultivated with local, Ufshi, and hybrid rice varieties. About 70 percent of the harvest depends on combine harvesters, requiring an estimated 1.65 million liters of diesel. However, local traders report inadequate supply, forcing them to buy diesel at 8 to 10 taka above the official price. Farmers have urged the government to ensure adequate and affordable fuel distribution in the haor areas.

Officials said they have already informed higher authorities about the reduced fuel supply this year and requested measures to stabilize prices and maintain normal supply during the ongoing harvest season.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected Bangladesh’s economic growth at 4 percent for the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to its Asian Development Outlook released on Friday. The report noted that after 3.5 percent growth in 2024–25, GDP is expected to rise to 4.7 percent in the following year as consumption and investment recover amid reduced political uncertainty after the general election. The impact of Middle East conflicts on supply chains is expected to gradually ease.

ADB Country Director Ho Yun Jeong said Bangladesh faces a difficult economic situation influenced by global uncertainty, structural constraints, and external and financial pressures. He added that the new government’s reform program offers an opportunity to strengthen macroeconomic stability, restore private sector confidence, and support recovery through consistent policy and reforms.

The report also projected inflation near 9 percent this fiscal year, easing to 8.5 percent next year as external pressures decline. The current account deficit is expected at 0.5 percent of GDP, rising slightly to 0.6 percent due to higher imports and trade gaps, while remittance inflows remain stable.

At least five vessels carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh by April 15, according to the Chattogram Port Authority and related shipping agents. The shipments include LNG for the Maheshkhali floating terminal and LPG for Chattogram. On April 10, the vessel ‘Morning Jelly’ from Malaysia is expected to reach Chattogram with 2,470 tons of LPG, while the US vessel ‘EMEI’ carrying about 69,000 tons of LNG will arrive at the Maheshkhali floating storage and regasification unit. Another LNG ship, ‘Kongtong,’ will follow on April 11, ‘Paul’ will bring LPG from Malaysia on April 13, and ‘Maran Gas Hydra’ from Australia is expected on April 15.

Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim said all five ships are currently en route and are being prioritized for berthing to maintain normal fuel supply. Earlier, two tankers carrying octane and high-sulfur fuel oil from Malaysia arrived at the port. According to Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), nine LNG vessels are expected this month, with two already unloading. In March, Bangladesh imported about 600,000 tons of LNG from eight ships, easing supply pressure.

The continued arrival of LNG and LPG shipments is expected to stabilize the country’s energy supply in the coming weeks.

Mongla Port, Bangladesh’s second-largest seaport, maintained steady import and export operations despite global economic and energy challenges. According to port authorities, 10.5 million metric tonnes of goods were traded through 679 ships in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The port’s performance improved due to modern facilities, dredging, and efficient management.

Officials said that while many ports faced slowdowns due to the global energy crisis, Mongla sustained normal operations by leveraging its strategic location and upgraded infrastructure. Imports of essential goods such as clinker, fertilizer, coal, stone, wheat, rice, and frozen products continued, alongside increased use of the port for ready-made garment exports. The opening of the Padma Bridge has also boosted business interest by improving connectivity with Dhaka and nearby industrial zones.

Authorities noted that larger vessels can now dock directly at the jetty following dredging works, and container handling time has decreased with expanded yards and new equipment. Business leaders said Mongla has become a reliable alternative to Chattogram Port, particularly for vehicle imports and faster delivery systems.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presented a detailed statement on Bangladesh’s overall economic condition in the National Parliament on Friday. His report highlighted widespread irregularities, mismanagement, and corruption in the financial sector during the previous authoritarian government. He said that due to economic mismanagement and illicit financial flows, foreign reserves had fallen to 20 billion dollars. The minister noted that while exports rose slightly under the interim government, import growth slowed and remittance inflows increased significantly.

He stated that social safety programs under the former regime failed to adjust benefits for inflation, leaving many beneficiaries outside inclusive development. Weak market management and syndicate corruption caused abnormal price hikes and supply disruptions, burdening ordinary citizens. The minister also described steps taken under the current government’s election manifesto, including improved debt management, reduced loan dependency, and structural reforms to strengthen the capital market.

He announced plans to form a special commission to investigate irregularities from the past 15 years and expressed hope that by 2034 Bangladesh would become a developed economy through sustained growth and fiscal discipline.

Farmers in northern Bangladesh, particularly in Bogura, Joypurhat, and Rangpur, are facing severe financial losses despite a bumper potato harvest this season. Wholesale prices have dropped to 8–12 taka per kilogram, far below the production cost of 14–18 taka. As a result, farmers are losing 15,000–25,000 taka per bigha, with total regional losses estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 crore taka over the past two seasons.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, potato cultivation and yields have increased by 10–15 percent in recent years, but the lack of minimum price protection has left farmers vulnerable. High transportation costs and limited access to cold storage—where rental fees reach 300–400 taka per maund—have forced many to sell their crops at low prices. Cold storage owners confirmed that corporate buyers and middlemen often book space in advance, leaving little room for small farmers.

Agricultural officials acknowledged that market pricing falls under the jurisdiction of the marketing department. Experts suggested introducing a minimum support price system for potatoes to prevent recurring losses and discourage farmers from abandoning the crop.

The South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) has warned that Bangladesh’s economy could face negative impacts if global energy markets become unstable due to the ongoing military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran. In a statement issued on Thursday, SANEM said rising energy prices could reduce GDP growth, exports, imports, garment sector output, and agricultural production, while inflation would increase and real incomes decline.

According to SANEM’s analysis, if global crude oil prices rise by about 40 percent and LNG prices by 50 percent, Bangladesh’s real GDP growth could fall by around 1.2 percent. Exports might drop by 2 percent and imports by 1.5 percent. Consumer prices could rise by up to 4 percent, and real wages might decline by 1 percent, reducing purchasing power. The report also warned that a prolonged closure of the Hormuz Strait could cause a severe energy crisis, as 72 percent of Bangladesh’s imported LNG comes from Qatar and the UAE.

SANEM noted inconsistencies between government austerity and energy rationing policies and their implementation. It recommended boosting renewable energy investment, infrastructure development, tax-free equipment supply, and low-interest loans to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and stabilize the economy in the long term.

An agreement was signed on Thursday at the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) headquarters in Agargaon between BEZA and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The deal outlines joint efforts to construct, operate, and share revenue from jetties in the Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar regions. Under the agreement, jetties and related facilities will be built at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai and at the Sabrang Tourism Park in Teknaf, on 6.18 acres and 5 acres of land respectively.

The project is part of a broader initiative titled “Construction of Jetties and Ancillary Facilities in Mirsarai and Sandwip of Chattogram and Sonadia Island and Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar.” Net profits from the completed jetties will be shared between BEZA and BIWTA in a 45:55 ratio. Officials from both organizations attended the signing ceremony and described the initiative as a milestone for the country’s industrial and tourism sectors.

According to BEZA officials, the project will help transform NSEZ into a self-sufficient industrial zone and open new tourism opportunities at Sabrang Tourism Park. BIWTA expressed strong optimism about successful implementation.

Bangladesh Bank has extended the tenure of its pre-shipment credit refinancing facility, allowing clients to access loans under the scheme until December 31, 2030. The central bank’s Banking Regulations and Policy Department issued a circular on Thursday announcing the extension. The decision aims to help export-oriented sectors, including the ready-made garment industry, overcome ongoing challenges caused by global economic instability and conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.

Previously, the refinancing facility was scheduled to remain in effect until April 2025. Under the revised terms, up to Tk 5,000 crore will be allocated for pre-shipment credit refinancing from the Tk 10,000 crore Export Facilitation Pre-Finance Fund (EFPF). All scheduled banks are eligible to participate but must sign new participation agreements with the central bank. Banks must apply for refinancing within one week of disbursing pre-shipment loans to exporters, with an additional 15 days allowed for justified delays.

The Banking Regulations and Policy Department-3 will manage and oversee the fund’s operations, while all previous conditions from the 2022 and 2023 circulars will remain unchanged.