Category: Energy and Power

FutureCoal, the Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal, and the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 October 2025, strengthening their joint commitment to support sustainable coal development across the ASEAN region.

Since the MoU was first signed in 2017, the partnership has delivered two significant joint reports. ‘Clean Coal Technologies in the ASEAN’ demonstrated how investment in upgrading existing coal plants with technologies, such as highefficiency, low-emissions (HELE) technology, can reduce emissions, improve reliability, increase output, and be more economically viable than common alternatives.

The second study, ‘Addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the ASEAN Coal Value Chain’, highlights how coal-related activities in the region support vital progress on the SDGs, improving local community employment, education, and social welfare by building on strong partnerships between the coal value chain and ASEAN businesses and communities.

CEMS-Global USA and CEMS Bangladesh have announced a series of major international trade exhibitions on construction, energy, and water industries, to be held from 13-15 November 2025 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka.

The expos will be open daily from 10:30am to 8pm.

The events include the 30th Build Bangladesh Int’l Expo 2025 and the 24th Real Estate Expo 2025, marking the 30-year milestone of the Build Series – Bangladesh’s largest and longest-running construction expo. With the construction sector contributing over 8% to GDP and rapid urbanization driving demand for housing and infrastructure, the expos will showcase building materials, technologies, and modern housing solutions. Running alongside will be the 27th Power Bangladesh Int’l Expo, 22nd Solar Bangladesh Int’l Expo, and 7th Dhaka Int’l Lighting Expo, collectively known as the Power Series – Bangladesh’s largest showcase for power generation, renewable energy, and lighting innovations.

The Water Bangladesh Int’l Expo 2025 will feature innovations in water and wastewater management, purification, desalination, and smart water systems, aligning with national initiatives like the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 to promote sustainable resource management.

The series was officially announced on Monday at a press conference at the CEMS Bangladesh Corporate Office by Meherun N Islam, president and group managing director of CEMS-Global, along with senior executives SS Sarwar, Tanveer Qamrul Islam, and Abhishek Das.

Bangladesh’s deepening energy crisis is not due to a lack of resources but a lack of resolve. For over two decades, governments have avoided tough decisions on exploring domestic gas and coal reserves or investing seriously in renewable energy.

the result is alarming: the country now relies on imports for about 65 percent of its total energy, leaving the economy at the mercy of global price swings and supply disruptions. Experts warn that Bangladesh may have to spend US$22-24 billion annually just to pay for imported energy, a burden that could strain the economy and weaken its competitiveness. Yet the pattern remains unchanged. Since 2018, US$18 billion has gone into importing LNG, while exploration at home has received less than US$1.0 billion in five decades.

the same story continues with coal: while 18 million tonnes are imported annually, no political decision has been made in 20 years to mine local reserves-though doing so could cut power costs by up to 40 percent.

this policy drift has left industries struggling with unreliable power, rising costs, and shrinking margins. It is not a technical failure but a political one, a paralysis born of short-term thinking.

if leaders fail to act, the nation risks what experts call an ‘energy famine’. Bangladesh urgently needs a clear, long-term vision built on domestic resources, renewable energy, and efficient import planning.

energy security is not optional; it is the foundation of economic independence and a sustainable future.

Bangladesh’s export growth now depends as much on watts as it does on wages. Mature economies-the European Union, foremost, followed by the United States, Japan, and Australia-are tightening market access through climatelinked product rules.

two EU pillars are of particular importance: the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which has been in force since July 2024, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which has been in its transitional phase since October 2023 and is expected to be fully operational from 2026.

these measures make the energy behind exported goods a compliance and price issue.

according to the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA, 2025), renewables now provide about 5.22% of Bangladesh’s power mix, with an installed renewable capacity of approximately 1,634.6MW. Fossils still supply roughly 94.8% of electricity, dominated by natural gas, heavy fuel oil, and coal, alongside about 3.7% imported power. Solar is the largest renewable source, with hydro and wind contributing smaller shares. While this is a marked improvement over previous years, the share remains below what is needed to future-proof exports and ensure energy security.

transitioning to a renewable-powered grid is therefore not optional but inevitable for Bangladesh’s export-oriented economy.

the New Trade Reality: Low-Carbon is a Market-Access Requirement The EU’s ESPR makes sustainability and energy transparency central to product design. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will require exporters to provide verifiable data on energy sources and embedded emissions.

this is particularly relevant for Bangladesh’s textiles and garments sector, one of the first industries covered by the ESPR work plan. CBAM functions as a border carbon tariff. From 2026, importers into the EU willpay a carbon price for goods produced with high embedded emissions. For Bangladeshi steel, aluminum, and other upstream industries, this introduces direct competitiveness risks without access to low-carbon electricity. Beyond Europe, the United States, Japan, and Australia are adopting parallel mechanisms through supply-chain disclosure rules, procurement standards, and Scope 3 accounting.

the global trade environment is converging toward carbon accountability. Bangladesh’s Power Sector: Where We Are Now Installed renewables stand at roughly 1,634.6 MW, representing about 5.22% of the grid mix (SREDA, 2025). Fossil fuels provide the remaining 94.8% of electricity. Within this majority share, natural gas is dominant, with heavy fuel oil (HFO), high-speed diesel, and coal contributing meaningful portions.

imported electricity accounts for approximately 3.7%.

the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP, 2023) targets 18% ‘clean energy’ by 2030 and 40% by 2041. However, a portion of these targets relies on CCS, ammonia, and hydrogen rather than proven renewables.

aligning with export-market demands will require a greater emphasis on solar, wind, and storage.

in June 2025, the government mandated rooftop solar on public buildings such as schools, colleges, and hospitals, a policy expected to catalyze adoption in industrial zones as implementation frameworks mature. Why the Transition Is Economically Inevitable Market access: without decarbonization, exporters face CBAM costs and ESPR-related rejection or de-preferencing by buyers focused on verified low-carbon supply chains.

energy security: dependence on imported fossil fuels exposes Bangladesh to price spikes and foreign-exchange outflows; distributed solar and storage can lower daytime industrial energy costs and reduce diesel generator reliance. Buyer pressure: global brands increasingly require suppliers to disclose Scope 3 performance and renewable energy shares, making clean power a purchase criterion.

technology economics: continuing declines in the cost of photovoltaics and batteries strengthen the business case for renewable power compared with imported fuels. Sector Snapshots Garments and Textiles: ESPR will privilege suppliers who can evidence low-carbon electricity and credible data for DPPs. Steel and Aluminum: CBAM applies directly from 2026; competitiveness hinges on access to renewable electricity and efficient processes. Pharmaceuticals and Light Engineering: expanding buyer requirements on embodied carbon and energy transparency mean early renewable procurement can become a differentiator.

iT and Data Services: renewable-backed electricity is increasingly a marketing and procurement advantage for data-rich exports.

a Five-Pillar Transition Playbook (2025- 2032) Policy and Market Design: recalibrate ‘clean energy’ targets toward true renewables; expand standardized rooftop frameworks (OPEX/RESCO, group PPAs, wheeling) and publish transparent interconnection and curtailment rules; align factory energy metering with DPP-ready data requirements. Grid and Storage: prioritize substation upgrades in export clusters; tender solar-plus-storage projects to deliver firm evening power; expand floating solar and agro-PV to ease land constraints. Finance: scale concessional green credit through IDCOL-style windows; standardize FX-hedged or taka-denominated PPAs; link verified renewable consumption to green trade finance.

industry Programs: aggregate RMG and leather factories into cluster PPAs; pilot electrified process heat (electric boilers, heat pumps, solar thermal); develop CBAM compliance playbooks for steel and aluminum. Measurement and Verification: deploy GHG Protocol-aligned factory energy and emissions ledgers; establish a national renewable attribute registry to track claims and avoid double- counting.

technology Pathways for Bangladesh Rooftop PV with storage for industrial and public facilities offers the quickest deployment pathway and best alignment with daytime loads.

utility-scale PV-wind hybrids in coastal belts can improve capacity factors and smooth variability, especially when paired with batteries. Floating solar on reservoirs such as Kaptai and agro-PV approaches can reduce pressure on scarce land while expanding clean generation.

industrial demand response and smart-grid solutions can lower costs and help integrate variable renewable energy at scale. Case for Speed Costs of delay include lost orders under stricter buyer criteria, potential CBAM-related costs, ongoing foreign-exchange exposure, and reliability issues that disrupt production schedules. Benefits of acceleration include lower delivered energy costs, premium pricing or preferred-supplier status for verified low-carbon goods, and greater resilience to global fuel shocks. Evidence Base Installed renewables: approximately 1,634.6 MW (SREDA, 2025). Renewable share: about 5.22% of the national power mix; fossil share around 94.8%.

eSPR: in force since July 2024; Digital Product Passports phasing in by product category. CBAM: transitional reporting since October 2023; full obligations from 2026 for selected sectors. Rooftop solar mandate: issued June 2025 for public buildings. Practical Actions for Exporters Measure energy use at the process level and set renewable procurement targets (for example, 50-80% renewable electricity by 2028 for electricity-intensive operations).

adopt rooftop PV under OPEX models with 2-4 hour batteries for peak shaving; negotiate performance guarantees to safeguard production. Join cluster or virtual PPAs in export zones and negotiate bankable wheeling as frameworks become available.

align energy and emissions data with DPP templates requested by EU buyers; map CBAM exposure for steel and aluminum supply chains and prioritize abatement options. Conclusion: Competing on Clean Watts Bangladesh’s exporters cannot rely on cost advantages alone.

eSPR makes sustainability and traceability mandatory, CBAM introduces a border carbon price for selected goods, and buyers are demanding renewable-backed supply chains. Decarbonizing the grid and scaling renewables is therefore inevitable if Bangladesh is to protect and expand its export markets in mature economies

Solar and wind farms generated more electricity than coal for the first time on record this year, but US and Chinese policy shifts are slowing growth, putting a global 2030 target out of reach, recent reports said.

the surge in renewable use marks a milestone in efforts to turn away from fossil fuels, which are responsible for most of the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change. Renewables’ share of global electricity rose to 34.3 percent in the first half of the year, while coal fell to 33.1 percent and gas maintained its 23-percent share, according to Ember, an energy think tank. ‘We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point,’ said Malgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, senior electricity analyst at Ember. ‘Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world’s growing appetite for electricity. ‘This marks the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth,’ she said.

the report found that solar power generation jumped by a record 31 percent in the first six months of 2025, far outpacing wind, which grew 7.7 percent. Coal fell by 0.6 percent while global gas generation inched down by 0.2 percent.

Too much was expected from the interim government that took over state governance after the administration led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted by a mass movement triggered by Gen Z. The movement of 2024 began as an apparently innocuous student protest against inequality but quickly grew into a nationwide uprising.

ordinary citizens joined the students, enduring clashes with law enforcement agencies.

as the unrest intensified, leaders of the ruling party fled the country, and the government collapsed.

an interim government led by internationally reputed Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus assumed power, promising a free, fair, and participatory general election, along with essential reforms and neutral trials for those responsible for mass killings in July and August 2024.

a year and a month have since passed, but both Bangladesh and the world have witnessed little meaningful change. Most conditions remain the same. No major reforms have been implemented, and questions are mounting about the fairness of ongoing trials.

the interim government has announced that the general election will be held in the 2nd week of February 2026. With less than four months remaining, it is highly unlikely that any significant transformations will take place. Bangladesh now stands in a situation aptly described as ‘crackling clouds bringing little rain.’ This analysis does not aim to cover every sector.

its scope is limited to the energy and power sectors and their implications for sustainable economic development.

one of the major allegations against the previous regime, which ruled from 2009 to 2024, was widespread irregularities and corruption in the planning and management of the energy and power sectors. Many large-scale infrastructure projects were indeed built during that period. However, bureaucratic dominance, flawed planning, nontransparent policies, poor governance, and rampant corruption created a deep crisis in the energy and power landscape. Bangladesh developed an irrationally large installed generation capacity of around 29,000 MW (both grid and off-grid), but essential facilities for power evacuation and primary fuel supply were neglected. As a result, the power system could not consistently generate and supply more than about 15,000 MW.

the single buyer, BPDB, became almost bankrupt due to mounting payment obligations to power producers and fuel suppliers. Despite repeated warnings from experts, the government failed to explore and exploit the country’s own primary fuel resources-coal and gas. Fully aware of the price and supply challenges of imported fuels, the government proceeded with large-scale reliance on imported fuel and power, often through lopsidedand questionable contracts with foreign companies.

these decisions created huge financial and operational challenges for state-owned enterprises such as BPDB, Petrobangla, and BPC.

the previous government suspended the National Procurement Policy and introduced the Speedy Power Supply Act (Special Act 2010), ostensibly to manage crises.

the act curtailed the authority of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) in determining power and fuel prices.

through administrative orders, the government raised electricity and fuel prices several times, making business operations in Bangladesh increasingly expensive. Despite these moves, persistent crises in gas and power supply forced many small and medium enterprises to shut down, while even large industries struggled to survive.

in this context, it was expected that the interim government would initiate bold reforms to correct the situation and pave the way for a stable energy future. However, apart from repealing the Speedy Power Supply Act 2010 and amending the BERC Act, the interim government has done little to offer hope to the suffering power and energy sectors.

as of early October 2025, the power sector continues to struggle with fuel supply shortages. Gas deficits have forced reliance on expensive imported liquid fuels, while a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy remains elusive. Dependence on imported fuel and cross-border electricity imports continues unabated. The government has done nothing to utilize domestic coal reserves, and offshore petroleum exploration has stalled.

onshore exploration has achieved little progress.

the government has also failed to decide on evacuating stranded gas from Bhola Island to the national grid. Governance within key state-owned entities such as Petrobangla, BPC, and BPDB remains unchanged, though some progress has been made in recovering overdue payments owed to BPDB and Petrobangla by private power and fuel suppliers. Government Actions Immediately after assuming office, the interim government repealed the controversial Speedy Power Supply Act 2010. Some contracts negotiated under the act were canceled, along with several Letters of Intent (LOIs) issued for gridconnected solar power plants. However, in over a year in office, the government has failed to sign new agreements for infrastructure development related to LNG imports-neither Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) nor land-based terminals (LBTs).

the initiative to engage entrepreneurs in grid-connected solar projects faltered due to inadequate incentives.

the government could not accelerate exploration initiatives under Petrobangla and BAPEX. The planned drilling of 50 and 100 wells failed to gain momentum, and as a result, gas shortages continue to constrain power generation and industrial operations.

it is difficult to understand why the government has not approved a gas transmission pipeline from Bhola to the nearest grid connection point. Both the Barishal and Khulna divisions are desperate for piped gas, while the discovered gas reserves in Bhola remain stranded. Building evacuation facilities would encourage international exploration companies to invest in the region.

in the late 1990s, UNOCAL’s proposed Western Region Integrated Project (WRIP), if approved, could have transformed the area’s energy landscape. The current government’s idea of setting up LNG import facilities at Bhola appears to be ill-advised.

the interim government has also failed to resolve outstanding issues in the long-standing dispute with Niko over the Chattak and Tengratilla gas fields, even though BAPEX is reportedly ready to resume exploration work there. Exploration prospects in the Chittagong Hill Tracts also remain unaddressed.

at the current depletion rate, Bangladesh’s proven gas reserves could be exhausted by 2030, with dire consequences if new discoveries are not made soon. Canceling the third FSRU contract with Summit Group may not have been a prudent move.

the deal could have been renegotiated, as it would have enabled the addition of 500 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of new LNG supply by 2028. Some companies have reportedly expressed interest in the project. FSRU operation is a specialized business, and the government’s inaction has delayed progress. Likewise, the development of the land-based LNG terminal at Matarbari has been extremely slow.

it is doubtful that any credible private investor will commit to such large projects until a permanent government is in power.

the government’s offshore exploration initiative has also failed to attract international oil companies (IOCs). Although a few showed interest, none submitted bids. With the United States expanding its strategic influence in the Bay of Bengal, managing offshore exploration neutrally will become increasingly difficult. Former U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haashas reportedly joined Excelerate Energy and is advocating for his company’s interests.

it is clear that U.S. companies will soon seek to dominate Bangladesh’s energy business, and it remains to be seen how India, China, and Russia will react. Offshore exploration will remain a major challenge, though Bangladesh must also continue pursuing opportunities for additional LNG import infrastructure.

the Power Sector The government’s approach to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) appears confused. The Energy Advisor has been reluctant to approve new IPP projects-and with reason.

the previous government, through the Special Power Act, opened a Pandora’s box by awarding too many IPP contracts in a non-transparent manner, burdening BPDB with massive capacity payments.

although the current administration has discussed introducing Corporate IPPs or Merchant Power Plants, no clear policy has yet emerged.

the government also failed to complete the remaining work on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant within the scheduled time. The 2×1200 MW (2,400 MW) facility, if operational, could have significantly reduced dependence on expensive and polluting liquid fuel-based generation. Just Transition There has been much talk but little progress on the energy transition front. Bangladesh is not required to phase out fossil fuels too quickly, but the government must recognize that solar power cannot yet make a major contribution.

if land development and evacuation infrastructure remain investor responsibilities, grid-connected solar will continue to struggle.

the government should assume part of this responsibility, just as it does for fossil-fuel-based IPPs. Corporate IPPs could also be a viable model.

import duties and taxes on solar equipment should be reviewed.

even rooftop solar systems with battery storage could make a meaningful impact. Bangladesh must also begin developing electric vehicles (EVs) in a planned manner to diversify its energy transition efforts. System Loss and Energy Efficiency The interim government has made no notable progress in reducing system losses or improving energy efficiency.

it has failed to hold inefficient and corrupt executives accountable. Boards of Petrobangla and its subsidiaries remain dominated by bureaucrats, despite opportunities to appoint experienced retired professionals with institutional knowledge and technical expertise. Governance After more than a year in power, the interim government’s actions in governance reform have been limited to ‘business as usual.’ Excessive bureaucratic control continues to stifle progress.

the energy and power sectors require technically skilled leadership, but qualified engineers with modern training find the current work environment discouraging.

the government should have evaluated institutions such as BPMI, BPI, and other skilldevelopment organizations. Some positive changes have been observed in BERC and BPERC, but without proper incentives and autonomy for technical professionals, Bangladesh will not be able to establish the conditions needed for efficient energy sector operation.

automation and cybersecurity, in particular, demand skilled professionals.

the interim government will leave behind many unresolved issues for its successor. Although the White Paper Committee identified major corruption cases in the energy and power sectors, there has been no followup. None of the individuals or organizations responsible for turning these sectors into safe havens for corruption and money laundering have been brought to justice.

the entrenched ‘energy and power mafia’ will continue to pose challenges for future administrations- largely due to the interim government’s failure to act decisively

The first-ever plastic recycling plant in Cox’s Bazar has officially begun operation with the aim of transforming single-use plastic waste into valuable resources. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mohammad Navid Shafiullah inaugurated the recycling facility at Mithachhari in Ramu upazila in the district recently.

as one of the country’s top tourist destinations, Cox’s Bazar generates a massive volume of plastic waste every day. Studies show that about 34.5 tonnes of plastic waste are dumped indiscriminately each day in the town. Much of this consists of single-use plastics, polythene bags, packaging materials, polypropylene, and thin plastic films – all of which are difficult to recycle and have little or no market value.

the newly launched recycling plant will process such materials into ecofriendly, durable, and visually appealing products such as sofas, benches, and strong poles.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed recently said the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant would begin trial operations in December as the fuel for the plant has already arrived in the country. ‘We had written to Russia requesting a November launch but they have informed us it will begin in December (trial operations),’ he said while speaking to journalists at his ministry office. Dr Salehuddin, also adviser of Science and Technology, said a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has inspected the facility and made several recommendations which are now being implemented. He said the perunit price of electricity from the plant is yet to be determined.

according to an IAEA review team that concluded its mission on 27 August, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility at Rooppur has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational safety.

With 11 million square meters, France has the secondlargest maritime territory in the world. From this heritage, the country is considered a global leader in blue economy technology, research, and innovation in areas such as marine energies, sustainable fisheries, maritime industry, maritime security, and oceanography. For Bangladesh, these sectors hold great potential, especially since the Hague Court awarded in 2014 almost 20,000 km2 of maritime area in the Bay of Bengal. France is also championing blue diplomacy, as it hosted together with Costa Rica the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France – a successful multilateral event that contributed to securing enough signatories for the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) to come into force by 2026.

this new instrument is filling the existing gap regarding the conservation and sustainable use of resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Safeguarding the oceans, however, also demands strong public and private financing, as well as broader support for building a sustainable blue economy. Building on these elements, FranceBangladesh cooperation can be developed through increasing technical cooperation and enhancing business relations.

this dynamic was highlighted under a series of ‘Blue Talks’ organized in 2024 and 2025 by the Embassy of France in Bangladesh, which brought together key stakeholders and underscored Bangladesh’s pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of the Bay of Bengal, both in terms of exploration and the sustainable use of its coastal and marine resources. From this perspective, various subsectors stand out as particularly promising for cooperation, such as: Marine Energies: Marine renewable energies are still an untapped source of energy in order to meet the target of 30% power generation from renewable energies by 2040, in a context where land scarcity is a major obstacle to solar parks. France has made significant progress in developing nearshore and offshore wind farms as well as tidal energy, andpossesses the expertise to support Bangladesh in this domain.

the French company SABELLA is present in the Philippines to harness the tidal stream resource for a potential of 500 MW, while ENGIE is involved in wind farms in India with more than 300MW and has a strong expertise in offshore wind.

in this sector, financial tools from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance could be mobilized by the public sector. Sustainable Fisheries: Bangladesh is the 25th largest producer of marine fish, but has the potential to expand the production and eye exports if deep-sea fishing is developed. CLS Group, a subsidiary of the French Space Agency CNES, is already working with the Department of Fisheries to set up a Fishery Monitoring Center, but could expand further to help build a sustainable fisheries management plan and provide equipment to fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

the improvement of weather forecasts will also be key to allowing fishermen to explore further from the shore, and the expertise of the French state-owned Meteo France could be an asset for the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Maritime Industry: With its central location within the Indo-Pacific region, Bangladesh will play a more and more pivotal role in the shipping industry. French investors could have an interest in building new capacities for ports in Chittagong, Mongla, and Payra. France has an old tradition of shipbuilding that could also be an area for cooperation under a joint venture.

on the other side, Bangladesh is a leader in the shipbreaking industry and is currently greening its industry to match the Hong Kong convention requirements, a move that can benefit from French know-how. Maritime Security: In order to monitor the 20.000 km2 of maritime area, new equipment and technologies will be required.

this includes extension of the Bangladesh Navy for which Naval Group is keen to provide new vessels and improvement of the satellite surveillance, such as through the offer from Airbus Defence and Space for an earth-observation satellite system under the Bangladesh Satellite-2 project. Oceanography: With Bangladesh, France has developed close relationships in the field of oceanography and hydrography, for instance, through scientific cooperation with the oceanographic departments of Dhaka University and BUET, awarding scholarships in French research institutes like IFREMER.

an expert financed through the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is, in parallel, w o r k i n g at Dhaka U n i v e r s i t y to transfer knowledge and train a skilled workforce in Bangladesh in the field of marine sciences.

as Bangladesh aspires to become a strong and prosperous economy by the next decade, harnessing the potential of the blue economy will undoubtedly play a key role in driving this ambition, an area where closer collaboration with France could unlock new avenues of growth and innovation

Bangladesh is preparing to significantly ramp up its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from long-term suppliers next year, aiming to reduce dependence on costly and uncertain spot market purchases.

imports under long-term sales and purchase agreements (SPAs) are set to rise by more than 53 per cent in 2026, reaching 86 cargoes compared with 56 this year, according to officials.

the state-run Petrobangla expects the increased volumes to come from newly signed SPAs with QatarEnergy, Oman’s OQ Trading, and US-based Excelerate Energy, alongside its existing arrangements. At the same time, spot market purchases are projected to fall by over 38 per cent, easing exposure to volatile prices.

the additional cargoes will come from the new suppliers that signed sales and purchase agreements (SPAs) with staterun Petrobangla in 2023.