Education Minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon said the proposal is under active review following discussions with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as authorities look to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining academic continuity.

The plan would introduce a mixed system combining online and in-person classes, initially for schools, with discussions ongoing on extending it to colleges. Universities may adopt separate arrangements, the minister said.

Officials cited a recent survey indicating that about 55% of students and guardians support a hybrid model, though concerns remain that fully online learning could increase social isolation.

Bangladesh’s move comes as rising global oil prices, driven by instability in the Middle East, strain domestic fuel supplies. The country relies on imports for around 95% of its energy needs, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks.

Authorities have already introduced measures to manage shortages, including fuel rationing, limits on vehicle fuel sales and reduced operating hours for fuel stations amid reports of panic buying and hoarding.

The government is also evaluating additional steps such as expanding remote work for offices and adjusting weekly holidays to reduce overall energy consumption.

Officials said Bangladesh is seeking more than $2.5 billion in external financing to support imports of fuel and liquefied natural gas, as pressure mounts on foreign exchange reserves.

Speaking to reporters, Zelensky said the messages followed a sharp escalation in global energy prices linked to widening conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted supplies of oil, gas and refined products. He said Kyiv remained open to an Easter ceasefire under reciprocal conditions.

Signals tied to energy market pressuresA source familiar with the matter said U.S. officials had conveyed the concerns during routine contacts with Ukrainian counterparts, adding that the initial signals appeared to have originated from Moscow.

The US State Department and Russia’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian oil facilities in recent months as part of its broader strategy to undermine revenues supporting Moscow’s military campaign.

The reported outreach from allies reflects concern that such attacks could further tighten global supply at a time of already elevated prices.Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left the country facing acute shortages, forcing authorities to secure alternative supplies.

Zelensky said Kyiv had reached agreements with several Middle Eastern countries to bolster energy support following a recent regional visit.He said Ukraine had secured a deal for year-long diesel deliveries, critical for both military operations and the agricultural sector, though he did not disclose volumes or suppliers.

Ukraine also signed framework cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and indicated another agreement was being prepared with the United Arab Emirates.

Zelensky said he had also discussed air defense needs with regional leaders, but noted that partners were currently prioritizing deployments to the Middle East due to ongoing hostilities involving Iran.

He added that Ukraine risked being sidelined in the allocation of advanced anti-ballistic missile systems as international focus shifts toward the escalating regional conflict.

Ishaq Dar said after meetings with regional counterparts that Islamabad was ready to facilitate “meaningful talks” toward a “comprehensive and lasting settlement,” including potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. It was not immediately clear whether either side had agreed to participate.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Washington of signalling openness to diplomacy while preparing for military escalation, saying Tehran would not accept demands amounting to surrender.U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed any agreement to attend talks.

Reports cited by U.S. media indicate the Pentagon is assessing options that could include ground operations, though no final decision has been announced by Donald Trump.

Discussions among regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt, have focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian restrictions on shipping since late February have disrupted global oil flows.

The conflict has driven oil prices sharply higher and intensified risks to maritime trade, with additional threats emerging near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait following attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces.

Israel said it carried out more than 140 air strikes across Iran over a 24-hour period, targeting missile infrastructure and other sites. Iranian media reported damage to Mehrabad airport in Tehran and a petrochemical facility in Tabriz.

Missile and drone exchanges have extended beyond Iran, with strikes reported in southern Israel near Beersheba and damage to industrial facilities in Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran’s heavy water production plant at Khondab had suffered severe damage and was no longer operational, though it contained no declared nuclear material.

The U.S. military has begun deploying thousands of Marines to the region, with the first contingent arriving aboard an amphibious assault ship, according to official statements.

Washington last week proposed a ceasefire framework that included reopening Hormuz and limiting Iran’s nuclear programme, but Tehran rejected the plan.

The conflict has triggered domestic political divisions in the United States, with protests reported in multiple cities and lawmakers offering sharply differing views on the war’s trajectory.

Rather than being seen as a political gamble, India’s diversified energy policy reflects a calculated effort to ensure affordability, sustainability, and balance in an uncertain global environment.

As global oil politics grow increasingly complex, India’s balanced approach to energy sourcing showcases both economic pragmatism and global responsibility — positioning the nation as a key player in maintaining stability in volatile markets.

The issue gained global attention after recent trade tensions between the United States and India over energy imports. Yet, India’s policy remains guided by one core principle — protecting domestic consumers while supporting the country’s rapid economic growth.

Officials have consistently stated that energy decisions are based on the best interests of the Indian economy, not external pressures.

India, the world’s third-largest importer of oil, spent over $52 billion on Russian crude last year, accounting for roughly 37% of its total oil imports. This surge was primarily driven by competitive pricing and favorable supply terms.

By purchasing discounted oil, India has been able to stabilize domestic fuel prices, curb inflation, and support its industrial growth, while maintaining a steady supply of energy to meet rising demand.

Energy analysts emphasize that this strategy is neither political nor opportunistic — it’s pragmatic. “Buying discounted oil benefits not just India but the global market by preventing excessive price volatility,” says Partha Mukhopadhyay from the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi. The logic is simple: if India were to stop purchasing Russian oil, prices could spike globally, affecting both emerging and developed economies.

The savings from discounted oil — estimated at around $9 billion annually — have helped India maintain fiscal discipline and reinvest in renewable energy infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the country continues to strengthen ties with the Gulf nations, the U.S., and African suppliers, ensuring no single dependency dictates its energy future.

India’s energy diversification strategy is built on resilience. Before 2022, its imports were primarily sourced from the Middle East — Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

However, sanctions on Iran and Venezuela forced India to diversify, adding new suppliers such as the U.S., Brazil, and Russia. This adaptability reflects a long-term strategy to balance cost-efficiency with security of supply.

Moreover, India’s vast refining capacity — among the world’s largest — allows it to process a wide variety of crude grades. Many of these refineries are calibrated for medium-to-heavy crude, similar to Russia’s Urals blend.

Replacing these supplies with lighter U.S. shale oil would require significant technical adjustments and increased costs. Hence, the current mix offers operational stability and price consistency.

For global markets, India’s continued participation as a responsible buyer helps moderate demand shocks. As Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative explains, “India’s role in global energy trade is crucial — it ensures liquidity, keeps prices in check, and supports global economic balance.”

Looking ahead, India remains committed to reducing its carbon footprint while gradually increasing its investment in renewable energy, biofuels, and hydrogen technology. Yet, policymakers recognize that the path to a green transition must remain economically sustainable.

In essence, India’s current energy policy is a model of balanced diplomacy — prioritizing affordability, supply security, and global cooperation.

By keeping consumer interests at the forefront while maintaining open dialogue with both the U.S. and Russia, India continues to demonstrate that responsible pragmatism can coexist with international partnership.