The interim government of Bangladesh has terminated ongoing negotiations with several companies, including India’s H-Energy and GAIL, to import re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) via cross-border pipelines. The decision, directed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, was implemented by Petrobangla. The agreements aimed to import around 1.6-2 million tonnes per year (MTPA) of RLNG, with 0.8-1 MTPA each from H-Energy and GAIL. H-Energy planned a 155km pipeline from West Bengal to Khulna, while GAIL’s route spanned 110km to Jashore. Both pipelines were partially to be laid in Bangladesh at the companies’ expense.
These projects targeted to power the 800MW Rupsha power plant and industries, with RLNG deliveries expected by 2027. However, Bangladesh’s decision halts India’s bid to export RLNG amid its declining domestic LNG consumption, which fell to 23.3 million tonnes in FY23-24 from 25.1 million tonnes in FY20-21 due to global price volatility and geopolitical factors.