Bangladesh has moved to secure additional LNG supplies from Japan, the UAE and Nigeria through direct purchases as concerns grow over disruptions in global energy markets.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday gave in-principle approval to the proposed purchases from Japan’s JERA Global Markets Pte Ltd, UAE-based ADNOC Trading Ltd and two Nigerian companies.
The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
The move comes amid geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, which have raised concerns over global energy supplies. Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its sources while meeting growing demand for gas in power generation and industries.
ADNOC offers up to 30 cargoes
Under its proposal, ADNOC Trading would supply LNG to Bangladesh between 2027 and 2029.
The company has offered six cargoes in 2027, six to 12 in 2028 and 12 in 2029.
Each cargo would contain around 3.0 million to 3.5 million MMBtu, with an additional 5 percent flexibility.
The proposed price is linked to the Japan Korea Marker (JKM), the Asian LNG benchmark, plus US$0.11 per MMBtu.
The price and other commercial terms are non-binding and subject to further negotiations.
Petrobangla reviewed ADNOC’s offer and forwarded it to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. The committee approved the direct procurement proposal in principle, subject to legal vetting of the final purchase agreement.
JERA proposal clears legal review
The committee also approved in principle the direct purchase of LNG from Japan’s JERA Global Markets.
The proposal was first placed before the committee on October 24 but was returned for legal scrutiny of the draft sale and purchase agreement (SPA) and term sheet.
Following the review by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division and necessary revisions, the proposal was resubmitted for approval.
The draft SPA and term sheet are non-binding, allowing either party to terminate the arrangement with mutual consent.
Nigerian suppliers included
The committee also recommended in-principle approval for direct LNG purchases from two Nigerian companies — Ozimadu and Marites Oil Marketing Nigeria Ltd and Uzzi James Beehive.
The proposals were placed under Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act 2006 and Rule 99(2) of the Public Procurement Rules 2025.
The proposed purchases are part of the government’s efforts to expand LNG supply sources as domestic gas production remains insufficient to meet national demand.
Ensuring competitive prices and reliable deliveries will remain important as Bangladesh depends increasingly on imported LNG to supply power plants and industries.
Dates import, airport connectivity
Separately, the committee approved in principle the import of 6,200 tonnes of dates through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) ahead of Ramadan 2027.
It also approved a shorter tender preparation and submission period for the international open tender to ensure timely imports under Rule 102(1)(a) of the Public Procurement Rules 2025.
The committee also approved direct procurement for installing mobile network coverage at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following a proposal from the Posts and Telecommunications Division.