Bangladesh Eyes Rapid LNG Import from Myanmar Amid Energy Crisis

Bangladesh is looking to rapidly import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its neighbor Myanmar, with an expected transportation time of just 12 hours. The country currently sources LNG from the US, Australia, and Angola, but these imports take between 15-30 days. In contrast, importing LNG from Middle Eastern countries typically takes around six to seven days.

Bangladesh's Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmood, told The Financial Express that the government has proposed importing gas from Myanmar through pipeline or as LNG. This would help resolve the country's mounting natural-gas crisis.

Myanmar has around 40% of its own gas reserves in various oil-and-gas exploration projects implemented under partnership with Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Thai energy companies. The minister noted that Bangladesh is prioritizing enhanced energy cooperation with Myanmar as industries, households, and other consumers are in dire need of gas amid a fuel crunch.