Qatar Delegation Visits Bangladesh Amid Ongoing LNG Supply Crisis

A delegation from QatarEnergy is set to visit Bangladesh in an effort to resolve the ongoing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply crisis. The company has been experiencing difficulties in supplying LNG to Bangladesh due to the US-Israel war on Iran and restrictions on vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

QatarEnergy announced 'force majeure' on March 4, ceasing LNG supply to Bangladesh, which was extended every month until September. The company has expressed intention to supply at least one LNG cargo soon and ensure smooth LNG supply from next year.

The visit is a follow-up to a meeting between Bangladeshi officials and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who assured Bangladesh of all possible support in ensuring energy security. Petrobangla Chairman Md Abdul Mannan stated that QatarEnergy has been showing positive intentions to help Bangladesh come out of the energy crisis.

The supply halt by Qatar has affected Bangladesh significantly, with at least 70% of Bangladesh-bound LNG delivery currently being impacted. The country relies heavily on volatile spot markets to source LNG due to disruptions in long- and short-term supplies.