Govt Approves Petrobangla’s Purchase of One LNG Cargo

The government has revoked the special benefits granted to United Power Generation and Distribution Company Limited (UPGD), which had been allowed to purchase gas at a lower rate and sell electricity at higher commercial prices, generating significant profits.

Russia has sought Bangladesh's cooperation to ensure the continued operations of Gazprom International in gas exploration, which has been active in the country since 2012. In 2023, Gazprom identified five new wells in Bhola for exploration.

The government has approved separate proposals to procure one cargo of LNG and 72,897 SPC poles to meet energy demands and strengthen Bangladesh’s power distribution system. The approvals were made during the 11th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase, chaired by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.

The Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) has criticized the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission’s (BERC) proposal to set gas tariffs based solely on LNG import prices, arguing that it is unconstitutional, unfair, and harmful to industries.

The expansion of women-led SMEs is strengthening Bangladesh’s poultry industry by boosting employment, production, and market competitiveness. On International Women's Day 2025, the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) highlighted the need to support women entrepreneurs and ensure adequate nutrition for their sustained contributions.

The Advisory Committee on Government Purchases approved two LNG purchases worth Tk 1,496.37 crore from the spot market under the direct procurement method. The Energy and Mineral Resources Division will procure LNG from Total Engineering Gas and Power Ltd, Switzerland (Tk 754.42 crore at $15.73 per MMBTU) and Singapore Pte Ltd, Singapore (Tk 741.95 crore at $15.47 per MMBTU).