LNG Delivery Crisis Hits Bangladesh Amid FSRU Operation Hiccups

A major hurdle has emerged in the delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh, posing a challenge for Petrobangla's FSRUs.

Excelerate Energy announced its readiness to regasify LNG from its terminal at full capacity on Sunday, but LNG-delivery problems have cast shadows over the resumption of its gas-supply operation.

Petrobangla is struggling to get LNG cargoes from suppliers who won contracts under the direct-purchase method (DPM), according to market insiders. Three companies - Maxwell International SPC, Blacklude International Ltd, and Zhenuy Shipping Company Ltd - have allegedly not maintained proper communication with Petrobangla to deliver their cargoes.

The Aramco LNG cargo on a MOSS-type vessel named Al Hamra is still stranded in the rough seas after entering the Bay of Bengal on August 12. The vessel was carrying around 3.36 million British thermal unit (MMBTu) of liquefied natural gas, and its delivery is crucial for Petrobangla to meet its LNG supply commitments.