Dhaka in talks with Moscow for fuel, says Russian envoy

The government of Bangladesh is in discussions with the Russian authorities to procure crude and refined oil, said Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy.

"A number of initiatives regarding the supply of Russian crude and refined oil are being discussed both at the intergovernmental and business-to-business levels," The Daily Star quoted him as saying on Wednesday.

In fact, the envoy was addressing reporters at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka, hours after a local English daily reported that the process to import Russian fertilizer was  underway.

Russian crude oil, he said, will be made available to Bangladeshi experts to find out whether that can be refined here.

Also, primary discussions have started to explore the mechanisms to replace dollars in bilateral trade between the two countries, he said, adding: "I have recently met the Governor of Bangladesh Bank to discuss the issue."

With major logistical obstacles being removed, the negotiations are ongoing between Moscow and Dhaka to resume wheat purchase on a G-to-G basis through the direct procurement method.