Bangladesh Seeks Gas from Myanmar via Cross-Border Pipeline

Bangladesh's Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar via a cross-border pipeline. The proposal was made during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe at the minister's Secretariat office on Sunday.

The minister highlighted Bangladesh's significant demand for natural gas and emphasized the importance of enhancing energy collaboration with Myanmar as an immediate neighbor. He expressed interest in reviving a long-standing proposal to construct a gas pipeline connecting Myanmar to Chattogram.

The Myanmar Ambassador welcomed the proposal positively, suggesting that in addition to a pipeline, the feasibility of supplying gas in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could also be discussed. The minister responded favorably to this suggestion and proposed holding ministerial-level meetings between the two countries to accelerate bilateral talks.

The meeting also touched on the China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor, which was a topic of discussion during Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's recent official visit to China. Establishing a gas pipeline between Bangladesh and Myanmar is seen as a supportive role in facilitating this regional corridor.