The government has approved the import of three cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the spot market to meet the country’s growing energy demand, with the total cost estimated at Tk 2,330.81 crore.
The decision was cleared on Saturday at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase held at the Secretariat, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
According to meeting sources, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division placed the proposal, which was approved under Rule 105(3)(a) of the Public Procurement Rules-2025 through an international quotation process.
Under the decision, the 23rd LNG cargo is scheduled for delivery on June 15–16, the 24th cargo on June 21–22, and the 25th cargo on June 25–26.
Officials said two cargoes will be procured from South Korea’s POSCO International Corporation, while the remaining cargo will be sourced from UK-based TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited.
The latest move reflects the government’s continued reliance on the spot market to ensure uninterrupted gas supply amid rising domestic demand.
NCT operator gets six-month extension
In a separate decision, the government has approved in principle a six-month extension for the current operator of the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) under the Chattogram Port Authority to ensure continuity of port operations.
The approval came from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at a meeting held the same day, also chaired by the finance minister.
Sources said the extension was granted in favour of Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, which will continue operating the terminal — including the overflow yard — on existing terms and conditions either for six months or until a new contractor is appointed.
The duration of the previous contract had expired, and the interim arrangement was endorsed retrospectively to avoid any disruption to port activities while the process of appointing a new operator is underway.
UNICEF route cleared for Vitamin A capsule procurement
The committee also gave in-principle approval to procure Vitamin A capsules through direct procurement from UNICEF to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Under the decision, both 200,000 IU and 100,000 IU Vitamin A capsules will be sourced through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM), following a proposal from the Health Services Division.