Govt plans 600 mmcfd boost in LNG imports within two years

The government plans to increase Bangladesh’s LNG import capacity by 600 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) within the next two years to address the country’s ongoing energy shortage, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament today (2 September).

The government is in discussions with interested companies to set up a new floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom in Cox’s Bazar’s Maheshkhali, he said in response to a question from Selina Sultana, MP for reserved seat-35, during the question-and-answer session.

The proposed terminal is expected to start supplying regasified LNG by December 2028, raising the country’s LNG import capacity by 600mmcfd, the prime minister said.

The government is also conducting feasibility studies on setting up one or two additional floating LNG terminals near Payra or Mongla ports or along the southwestern coast, he said.

Alongside expanding LNG imports, the government is working to increase domestic gas production to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

A programme has been taken to drill and carry out workovers on 150 wells, of which 30 have already been completed, adding 140mmcfd of gas to the national grid, Tarique said.

Work is currently underway on seven more wells, which are expected to add another 85mmcfd upon completion.

The government also plans to conduct 4,500 line-kilometres of 2D seismic surveys and 4,200 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys to identify new domestic gas reserves.

To strengthen exploration capacity, the government is taking steps to reinforce Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Ltd (Bapex), including the procurement of two new drilling rigs.

It is also seeking fresh investment in onshore and offshore gas exploration.

Following approval of the Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC) 2026, a bidding round has been invited, while approval of the onshore model PSC is under process.

The prime minister said increasing domestic gas production, exploring new reserves and expanding LNG infrastructure were being pursued simultaneously to strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported gas.