Bangladesh Seeks Pipeline Gas from Myanmar Amid Ongoing Crisis

Myanmar's gas reserves have been under discussion as Bangladesh seeks to import gas through a pipeline to alleviate its ongoing gas crisis. The government has proposed importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Malaysia, and now Myanmar is being considered as an alternative source.

The proposal involves importing gas directly through a pipeline from Myanmar to Chattogram in Bangladesh. However, the feasibility of this plan remains uncertain due to several factors. One major concern is that Myanmar's production has declined compared to previous years, with its current output standing at 1.5 billion cubic feet per day.

Myanmar also has long-term gas export agreements with China and Thailand, which may limit its ability to supply gas to Bangladesh. Moreover, the country's political crisis since 2021 and diplomatic tensions with Bangladesh over the Rohingya crisis have created an unstable environment for such a project.

Bangladesh has been facing a gas shortage since 2007, with production declining by 1.05 billion cubic feet per day between 2017 and 2026. The country has been importing LNG since 2018 to meet its increasing demand for power generation. However, the current crisis has worsened since a fire forced the closure of one of the country's LNG supply terminals in July.

Energy sector experts emphasize that any decision on a pipeline should be made after verifying all information and assessing its economic viability. They also caution that constructing an overland pipeline through Myanmar would be nearly impossible without security and political understanding with the Arakan Army, which controls border areas.