Dhaka, March 19 -- Bangladesh has not yet faced a major energy crisis despite fears over the Iran war, but the import-dependent sector has already taken an early hit, particularly with mounting pressure on gas supplies.

The drums of war have effectively halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital global artery for oil and gas.

This disruption has severed supply lines from the Middle East, Bangladesh's primary source for energy imports.

Long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from Qatar, expected under existing contracts, are currently unavailable.

To meet March's demand, the government has been forced to turn to the volatile spot market, where LNG prices have already tripled.

The uncertainty has also alarmed policym...