The interim government in Bangladesh has decided not to finalize gas extraction and supply agreements with four companies—H Energy from India, Russia’s Gazprom, China’s Sinopec, and Uzbekistan’s Ariel—originally negotiated under the previous Awami League administration. This decision follows the repeal of the Quick Energy Supply Act, which facilitated these agreements.
The Energy Secretary stated that the interim government will review existing agreements and proceed with those deemed necessary, with plans to award contracts through an open tender process. These contracts were nearly finalized before the ousting of the Hasina government on August 5, following a student-led uprising. They included plans for Gazprom to drill five gas wells in Bhola and for H Energy to import LNG via pipeline from India, alongside a local company, Dipon Gas, which was to construct a pipeline for LNG distribution.