United News of Bangladesh

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase has recommended the procurement of five cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from BP Singapore Pte Limited and an additional cargo from Qatar Energy Trading LLC to meet the country’s energy demand. The recommendations were made at the committee’s 51st meeting of 2026 held on Saturday, where two proposals from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division were discussed. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the meeting. Under the first proposal, the committee recommended purchasing five LNG cargoes from BP Singapore, with provision for additional cargoes if required and agreed upon by both parties. The proposed purchase will be made through the direct procurement method under Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and Rule 99(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025. The recommended price is JKM-0.17 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), with BP Singapore Pte Limited named as the recommended supplier. In the second proposal, the committee recommended purchasing an additional LNG cargo from Qatar Energy Trading LLC under an existing government-to-government (G2G) long-term agreement. The additional cargo is scheduled for delivery on December 20, 2026, at a price different from the rate stipulated in the existing contract. The recommended price is JKM-USD 0.10 per MMBtu, with Qatar Energy Trading LLC named as the recommended supplier.  

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) has approved procurement of two additional cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar Energy Trading LLC under a long-term government-to-government agreement. The additional LNG cargoes are scheduled for delivery on November 6 and November 22, 2026, according to the proposal placed before the committee. The LNG will be procured at a price of JKM minus $0.02 per MMBtu, which is different from the price specified in the existing long-term contract. Qatar Energy Trading LLC was recommended as the supplier for the two additional cargoes. The proposal was placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the CCGP meeting. The purchase is part of the government’s arrangements to ensure LNG supplies for meeting the country’s energy requirements.  

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Monday approved a proposal to procure two cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for delivery in September at prices of more than US$24 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). The approval was given at a meeting of the committee held at Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. Under the approved proposal, Posco International Corporation, South Korea's largest trading company, will supply one LNG cargo for delivery on September 13-14 at US$24.625 per MMBtu. Another cargo will be supplied by TotalEnergies Gas & Power Ltd, UK, for delivery on September 23-24 at US$24.25 per MMBtu. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources placed the proposal before the committee under Rule 105(3)(a) of the Public Procurement Rules 2025 through the Request for Quotation (International) process. The committee approved the proposal following consideration of the procurement process and the recommended bidders. The latest approval comes as Bangladesh continues to rely heavily on imported LNG to meet its growing demand for natural gas, particularly for power generation and industrial consumption.

Gas supply in Bangladesh dropped sharply by around 400 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) after one of the country's two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) went offline due to a technical fault, authorities said Tuesday. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company issued a notice Tuesday morning warning customers of low gas pressure across its entire service area as a result of the sudden supply shortfall. The pressure drop is expected to affect Gazaria, Meghna Ghat, Sonargaon, Narayanganj, South Dhaka and all other areas under the Titas Gas network. The utility did not specify how long the disruption would last, but expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to consumers. Bangladesh operates two FSRUs for liquefied natural gas (LNG) import and regasification, which together play a critical role in meeting the country's growing energy demand. The outage of one unit represents a significant reduction in daily gas availability.

The government on Tuesday approved a proposal for procuring one cargo LNG from the spot market following international quotation method to meet the growing demand for the country. The approval came from the 27th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at the Cabinet Division of the Secretariat Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. Purchase body approves import of LNG cargo, urea fertiliser Following a proposal from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla would procure one cargo LNG from M/S Qatar LNG Trading LLC, Qatar at accost of around Tk 556.76 crore with per MMBtu LNG costing $13.24.  

Excelerate Energy has announced that on December 28, 2024, it safely completed its 3,000th ship-to-ship (STS) LNG transfer since the start of STS operations in 2007. The milestone was achieved onboard Excelerate’s floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Excellence at the Moheshkhali Floating LNG (MLNG) terminal in Bangladesh, said the U.S.-based LNG company located in The Woodlands, Texas. “This milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation in the LNG industry. It is not just a number. It symbolizes years of relentless effort, continuous improvement, and the highest standards of operational excellence,” said David Liner, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Excelerate Energy. President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Kobos said, “We completed our 3,000th ship-to-ship operation in Bangladesh, where we are helping fuel economic growth by delivering more than a third of the country’s natural gas needs. LNG supply period extended for 7 companies He congratulated Excellence’s outstanding crew, Bangladeshi partners, and every member of the Excelerate Energy team for making this accomplishment possible. Launched by Excelerate Energy and the International Finance Corporation in 2018, the MLNG terminal plays a vital role in ensuring the energy security of Bangladesh. With a capacity of up to 600 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, MLNG provides a reliable source of energy supporting industrial development and job creation in a more sustainable manner.

The government will import rice and LNG to meet the demands of the domestic market, it's been decided. The Advisors Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP), in a meeting with Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair, approved two separate proposals in this regard. As per a proposal, moved by the Ministry of Food, the Food Directorate will import 50,000 Metric Tons (MT) of non-basmati parboiled rice from India through an international open tender. Bagadiya Brothers Limited of India will supply the bulk rice at a cost of Tk 275.30 crore, with each kg at Tk 55.06. Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Minerals Corporation-Petrobangla will import one cargo of LNG from the international spot market through quotation. Excelerate Energy PLC of United States will supply the LNG cargo at a cost of Tk 752.50 crore, with each MMBtu at $15.69. After the meeting, Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed told reporters that the government will not bring any change in the duty structure of essential commodities until the end of the upcoming month of holy Ramadan which is expected to begin from March 1. No change in duties until Ramadan ends: Finance Adviser Responding to a question on ensuring adequate supply of essential commodities at affordable price during the Ramadan, the advisor said that the government had already imported chickpeas, lentils, and dates. The price of Soybean oil has come to a reasonable level. “If necessary, the government will take further measures in regard to the price of soybean oil”, he said. He said that the government has been giving priority on market monitoring. “The market monitoring has to be intensified. Only application of Consumer Protection Act is not enough to contain the prices”. He mentioned that the price of onion has already come down to Tk 40 per kg from Tk 200. In our country, prices of goods frequently go up and down while prices remain stable in developed countries.

The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs (ACCEA) has approved the extension of the LNG supply contracts for seven companies. These companies will continue to supply LNG (liquefied natural gas) from the international spot market. Petrobangla, the state-owned company, has been importing LNG from these companies under the Master Sale and Purchase Agreement (MSPA). As part of the proposal, the ACCEA also approved the use of LSP software for LNG imports until March, 2025. Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed presided over the meeting. Decision to award SPM’s O&M contract to CPPEC set to be revoked   According to meeting sources, Petrobangla has been importing LNG from 23 listed companies that have signed MSPAs and operate in the international spot market. The LNG is imported through international tenders under Rule-85 of the ‘Public Procurement Rule (PPR)-2008’. Out of these companies, the contract period with eight companies ended on December 17, 2024, while the contract period of six companies will end on February 2, 2025. Meanwhile, MSPA agreements with 27 new companies are in process and will take approximately 45 more days to be finalised. In light of this, the ACCEA approved in principle the extension of contract periods and the use of LSP software with 16 of the existing 23 companies that have signed MSPAs. This measure is aimed at meeting the urgent gas needs of the country’s power, industry, and fertilizer sectors until March 2025. Besides, the Advisory Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP) approved a proposal from Petrobangla to import one LNG cargo from the international spot market. The South Korean firm, Posco International Corporation, will supply the LNG cargo at a cost of Tk 692.99 crore, with a price of $14.69 per MMBtu.

The government will procure lentil, loose soybean oil, loose palm oil, LNG, fertiliser, crude and refined petroleum oil. The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase in a meeting, with Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair, approved a number of proposals of different ministries in this regard on Wednesday. It also approved printing of textbooks for students. Approving the proposals, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the government has been promptly approving different proposals to buy essential commodities which reflects the cordial intention of the government to keep the market stable through ensuring smooth supply. Govt to procure rice, sugar, lentil, fertilizer for domestic needs As per proposals, moved by the Commerce Ministry, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will purchase 10,000 metric tons (MT) of lentils, 38.10 lakh litres of loose soybean oil, 1.10 lakh litres of palm oil for its Open Market Sale Programme. Of these, the Nabil Naba Foods Limited won a contract through open tender to supply 10,000 MT of lentil at Tk 95.97 crore with each kg at Tk 95.97. Each bag will contain 50 kg lentils. S Alam Super Edible Oil Ltd will supply 38.10 lakh litres of refined loose soybean oil under direct purchase method (DPM) at a cost of Tk 53.34 crore, with each litre at Tk 140 while the same company will supply 1.10 lakh refined loose palm oil at a cost of Tk 143 crore with each litre at Tk 130. The Bangladesh Oil Gas and Petroleum Corporation – Petrobangla will import one cargo of LNG through international quotation from the international spot market. TCB to procure soybean oil, sugar, lentil to sell through OMS Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd, Singapore will supply the cargo at a cost of Tk 708.55 crore, with each MMBtu at $15.02.The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will import 600,000 MT of Murban Crude petroleum from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of UAE at a cost of Tk 5208.364 crore for the year 2025 while it will import 700,000 MT of Arabian Light Crude (ALC) from Saudi Arabian Oil Company (SAUDI ARAMCO) at a cost of Tk 6025.206 crore.The committee also approved a proposal to import refined petroleum through international; quotation from Unipec Singapore Pte Ltd', Singapore; Vitol Asia Pte-Ltd., Singapore and Co OQ Trading Limited, Dubai' UAE at a cost of Tk 1070.164 crore,. But quantity was not mentioned in the brief proposal. The Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) will import 30,000 MT of bulk granular urea fertilizer at Tk 223.23 crore from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company, Saudi Arabia. Govt to procure 55,000 MT soybean oil for OMS The Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) will import 30,000 MT of MOP fertiliser from JSC Foreign Economic corporation "Prodintorg at Tk 104.31 crore, 40,000 MT of DAP fertiliser from OCP NUTRCROPS of Morocco at Tk 280.68 crore, another 30,000 MT of TSP at Tk 252.46 crore from the NUTRCROPS of Morocco. The committee also approved awarding of contracts to different suppliers for printing and supplying of textbooks to distribute those among the students at free of cost.

Excelerate Energy, Inc. has announced that it has delivered two cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the month of November to Petrobangla through the company’s two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) located offshore Moheshkhali Island. “Excelerate Energy is pleased to help fuel Bangladesh’s economy through its flexible infrastructure and the delivery of affordable LNG supply,” said Steven Kobos, President and Chief Executive Officer of Excelerate, in a statement on Sunday. “We are proud to have won this contract to provide LNG through an open and fair tender process where we offered the most competitive price,” he added. Excelerate Energy has operated LNG infrastructure in Bangladesh since 2018, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation. The Company’s FSRUs in the Bay of Bengal deliver approximately 34% of Bangladesh’s natural gas supply.