Recent reports in the media suggest that
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan import anything between 75% and
100% of their respective domestic requirements for petroleum. The region is
otherwise rich in other sources of energy which are not evenly distributed and to
a large extent untapped. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh have large reserves of
gas and coal. The entire region has among the world's highest potential for
hydro-electric power, with Nepal and Bhutan in the lead. There exists a high
potential for renewable energy, with India showing the way in solar and wind
energy. Sri Lanka is looking to leverage hydro-electricity and biomass
resources for its energy needs.
