Bangladesh Plans Ambitious Gas Supply Strategy Amid Shortages

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman outlined his government's plan to ensure gas supply to industries in Bangladesh, addressing concerns about a daily gas shortfall of approximately 450 million cubic feet. The government aims to drill 150 new gas wells by the fiscal year 2030-31 and conduct seismic surveys to explore domestic gas sources.

Additionally, an international bidding round was launched on May 24 for oil-and-gas exploration in 26 offshore blocks. To address future gas deficits, new facilities are under construction, including a floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom in Maheshkhali and a land-based LNG terminal at Matarbari.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the government's vision on renewable energy, aiming to reduce dependence on imported fuels to meet the country's growing power demand. The National Renewable Energy Development Strategy for 2026-2030 has been formulated, targeting at least 20 per cent of total electricity generation from renewables by 2030 and at least 30 percent by 2040.