Rising tensions around the strategically crucial Hormuz Strait are beginning to impact Bangladesh’s energy and food imports, particularly the supply of dates and other essential commodities. Market expectations of price reductions have failed to materialise, as importers face increased shipping costs and insurance premiums, creating fresh economic pressure.
According to reports from NDTV, the Bangladesh government submitted a list of six vessels to Iranian authorities in April 2026 for transit through the Hormuz Strait. Of these, five ships are scheduled to carry liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar, while one vessel will transport crude oil from Saudi Arabia.
Iran has assured Bangladesh, referred to as a “friendly nation,” of the vessels’ safe passage. However, authorities require advance notification of vessel details to facilitate this protection.
Maritime insurers and shipping officials note that geopolitical instability in the Middle East has led to the imposition of additional “war risk premiums,” significantly increasing the cost of marine insurance.
Business sources report that, in the first quarter of 2026, import costs for fuel and other commodities have risen by 18–22%, with higher insurance and transport charges directly affecting market prices.
In an effort to mitigate some of the pressure, the government recently reduced the customs duty on date imports from 25% to 15% and lowered advance income tax from 10% to 5%.
Despite these policy measures, importers and wholesalers indicate that supply shortages limit their effect. Congestion at the Chittagong port, coupled with global supply chain disruptions, has delayed date shipments. A vessel carrying dates from Iraq suffered an accident, further straining supply.
Currently, wholesale prices of Iraqi dates have risen from 150 taka per kilogram to 180–185 taka.
| Commodity | Previous Price (per kg) | Current Price (per kg) | Customs Duty | Advance Income Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iraqi Dates | 150 Taka | 180–185 Taka | 15% | 5% |
| LNG | – | – | – | – |
| Crude Oil | – | – | – | – |
Analysts warn that prolonged instability in the Hormuz Strait could have deeper ramifications. Rising energy and transport costs may trigger inflationary pressures on essential goods. Increased import expenditure could also strain Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves. Interruptions in LNG supply could affect electricity generation, posing risks to industrial output.
Although the government’s policy measures aim to ease the burden, experts caution that unless supply chains stabilise and the security situation in the Hormuz Strait improves, both import costs and market prices in Bangladesh are likely to rise further.