The government of President Mohamed Muizzu, which accused India of bullying, is seeking Indian assistance in getting oil.

The government made the request amid the global energy crisis caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday (March 12) that Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also requested assistance.

Jaiswal said India is currently reviewing the requests, but the allocation would be based on India's own needs and oil availability.

Iran has suspended oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz as the US and Israel continue air strikes.

State Trading Organisation (STO) imports oil from Oman. Iran is targeting retaliatory strikes on oil facilities in Oman as well.

Before the war, refined diesel cost USD 80 a barrel, but now it is over USD 170 a barrel.