The government has greenlit two crucial proposals to address its energy shortage. The cabinet committee on purchase, led by the Finance Minister approved the purchase of 67.20 lakh tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the international spot market at a cost of Tk 1,243 crore.
Switzerland’s TotalEnergies Gas & Power Ltd will supply 33.60 lakh MMBTUs of LNG at $13.77 per unit, while Vitol Asia Pte Ltd of Singapore will provide an equal amount at $14.97 per unit. Bangladesh relies on imported LNG for 25% of its gas consumption due to inadequate domestic production. This decision comes after last year’s gas rationing and a pause in international LNG purchases due to soaring global prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In addition to LNG, the cabinet also approved the import of fertilizers and equipment for the Payra Sea Port, reflecting the government’s commitment to address critical energy and infrastructure needs.