Bangladesh Approves Emergency LNG Purchases Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in Bangladesh has recommended policy approval for several proposals aimed at ensuring uninterrupted gas supply and meeting domestic demand.

The committee, led by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, approved the emergency procurement of eight liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from four international suppliers: Blackcube International Ltd, UK; Global Fuel Supplies Pte Ltd, Australia; Plentitude Energy Sdn Bhd, Malaysia; and Maxwell International SPC, Oman.

The LNG purchases are intended to meet the country's urgent gas demand amid geopolitical instability following a conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The committee also recommended policy approval for procuring 5,000 metric tons of LPG from Speed Marketing Corporation at Saudi Aramco CP plus US$97 per metric ton.

In addition to these energy-related proposals, the committee approved a plan to procure around 200 electric buses, including buses for women passengers, establish charging stations, and develop related infrastructure for the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) under government financing through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM).