Story perspectives

Diesel Shortage Cuts Bangladeshi Rice Yields, Raises Farmer Costs

7/24/2026

Summary

Farmers Face Diesel

The diesel shortage from the Strait of Hormuz conflict left farmer Dulal Hossain without fuel, cutting his rice yield to about one-fourth.
Sazzad Hossain (40) took a 30,000-taka ($240) fertilizer loan and is behind on payments, fearing he cannot cover diesel.
Zakir Hossain Khan of Change Initiative warned that 83 % diesel-powered irrigation could deter planting and threaten the security of 15 million farms that produce two-thirds of Bangladesh’s rice.

Summary

Hassan Flags Diesel

Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) said the war and tariffs forced farmers to spend $1,500 more to refill diesel tanks.
The Joint Economic Committee report listed Illinois with $163 million, Iowa with $151 million, and Minnesota with $111 million in diesel costs.
President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCTA), which Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) warned will further strain farmers as the trade deal expires at month’s end.

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Farmers Face Diesel

The diesel shortage from the Strait of Hormuz conflict left farmer Dulal Hossain without fuel, cutting his rice yield to about one-fourth.
Sazzad Hossain (40) took a 30,000-taka ($240) fertilizer loan and is behind on payments, fearing he cannot cover diesel.
Zakir Hossain Khan of Change Initiative warned that 83 % diesel-powered irrigation could deter planting and threaten the security of 15 million farms that produce two-thirds of Bangladesh’s rice.

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