Category: Energy and Power

The Bangladesh power sector may face unprecedented climatic stress amid existing deep-seated ?nancial instability due to probable global climate shifts from a weakening La Nina to a projected El Nino in mid-2026.

this article explores the connection of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle with the operational and ?nancial outline of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). By studying the ‘heat penalty’ due to El Nino effect on generation ef?ciency alongside the growing liquidity crisis and the debatable claim of Liquidated Damages (LD), this paper proposes a policy-oriented proposition for ‘LD Moratorium’ and instant liquidity injections with cash infusion.

the primary goal is to maintain grid resilience during the summer 2026 peak, when demand is projected to exceed 18,500 MW. Simultaneously, the energy sector needs to steer during the changeover that risks technology, technical infrastructure, and the contractual reliability of providers. 1.

introduction: Sensing Climate Shift and A Season with Extreme Heat Wave The year 2026 marks a critical moment for the power landscape of Bangladesh. For the last few years, La Nina (the ‘Little Girl’) has mostly dictated global weather patterns.

it used to propagate cooler waters to the central Paci?c and thereby in?uenced the South Asian monsoon.

the meteorologists worldwide are following this phenomenon and sensing a rapid transition, as of March 2026; ultimately, the world is moving towards ENSO (El Nino-Southern Oscillation) neutral conditions.

this condition directs a high probability of an El Nino (the ‘Little Boy’) establishing itself by the peak summer months of April-June 2026 through August/September 2026. The weather pattern shift towards El Nino in 2026 is not merely academic for Bangladesh, sitting at the heart of the deltaic plain.

el Nino typically brings suppressed rainfall and signi?cantly higher temperatures with tangible changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Coincidentally, this climatic shift arrives at a time when the Bangladesh power sector is already grappling with a severe ?nancial crisis burdened by debt, fuel shortages, and rigid contractual obligations. 2. Climatic Drivers in Brief for Bangladesh: El Nino versus La Nina ? The ENSO is a cycle of warming and cooling in the tropical Paci?c Ocean. ? La Nina involves the cooling of the Paci?c Ocean surface temperatures.

it results in an intense monsoon and3.

the Power Plant Fatigue: ‘Heat Penalty’ on Power Generation Extreme heat has physical impacts on the ef?ciency of power plants.

this is often referred to as ‘derating’ of the energy sector. 3.1 Thermal Power Plants Bangladesh’s grid relies on natural gas, coal, and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).

these thermal plants require cool air for combustion and cooling systems.

as ambient air temperatures rise to 40°C or higher, the air becomes less dense.

this means gas turbines cannot pull in the mass of air required for optimal combustion. Historically, a 10°C rise above standard ISO conditions can lead to a 5% to 7% drop in a plant’s effective output. 3.2 The Inconsistency of Solar Energy Bangladesh has made signi?cant steps in ‘Agri-PV’ and ?oating solar projects. When El Nino brings clearer skies and more sunlight, it also propagates excessive heat. Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are semiconductors and become less ef?cient as they get hotter.

once a solar cell’s temperature exceeds 25°C, its voltage drops. Due to this ‘heat penalty’, solar panels may lose over 10% of their rated capacity during a severe Bangladesh heat wave.

therefore, the panels will underperform due to the sheer intensity of the ambient heat, exactly when the sun is brightest. 3.3 Hydroelectricity and Water Scarcity: Reduction of ‘Head’ The Kaptai Hydro Power Plant is the only source of lowcost energy. However, El Nino typically reduces the rainfall necessary to keep the ‘reservoir head’ high.

the ‘head’ of water available for power generation will drop if, presumably, the pre-monsoon rains fail in April and May 2026.

this compels the National Load Dispatch Centre (NLDC) to shift the load to more expensive liquid-fuel IPPs, and thereby increases the overall cost of generation for the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). 4.

the Financial Strain: ‘Take-or-Pay’ and the Liquidity Gap Verily, the use of cooling fans and air conditioners increases when the temperature rises.

in 2026, peak demand is projected to cross the 18,500 MW mark.

this creates a massive ?nancial burden on the BPDB compared to the previous year. 4.1 The Burden of Capacity Payments The government needs to pay IPPs for their ‘availability’, under the ‘Take-or-Pay’ model. During El Nino heat wave, the grid cannot afford for any plant to be of?ine. Consequently, the BPDB must ensure that almost all contracted plants are ready to generate at a moment’s notice.

this leads to a surge in Capacity Payments.

these payments are, as per the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), essential for the investment security of the IPPs.

ultimately, these bring an immense strain on the national budget during periods of high fuel prices. 4.2 The Reality of ‘Arti?cial Defaults’ The most pressing issue for the power sector in 2026 is not the heat itself, but the liquidity crisis.

as of today, the BPDB owes IPPs approximately BDT 250 billion.

the payment is already delayed by 08 to 10 months, and thereby, IPPs lose their ability to open Letters of Credit (LCs) to import fuel (HFO or Coal). Here, a plant cannot run because it has no fuel, and it has no fuel because the Government has not paid the bills. This is known as an ‘Arti?cial Default’.

the plant is technically available and functional, but it lacks the fuel to operate.

the situation might even be complicated by looking at the role of the NLDC.

iPPs are worried about how the BPDB issues instructions to NLDC. When the plants are already struggling to buy HFO due to not being paid, the BPDB may issue dispatch instructions anyway.

industry experts note this as ‘imaginary demand’.

the goal of these orders could be to trigger Liquidated Damages (LD) penalties against the IPPs.

and it is unfair, if it is true.

this seems to be using the IPPs’ ?nancial struggles to arti?cially lower their own debts. Such actions lead against the ‘Take-or-Pay’ model and make it much harder for power projects’ bankability to stay ?nancially viable.

table 2: ENSO Changeover and Power Sector Vulnerability During Summer 2026 Climate Feature ENSO Phase During 2026 Effect on Grid Stability Peak Demand High (Cooling Load) Projected >18,500 MW, Grid Strain is Critical Fuel Supply LNG/Coal/HFO Dependency High Spot Price, Logistics Risks Plant State Heat-induced Derating 5-10% Generation Loss Financials High-capacity Payments Increase BPDB Debt, Liquidity Crisis Table 3: Comparative Power Generation Demand – Forecast of Summer 2025 Versus Summer 2026 The statistics are integrated based on recent BPDB projections and actual generation reports for the 2025-2026 cycle. Period Summer 2025- Average Peak Demand (MW) Summer 2026- Projected Average Peak Demand (MW) Average Increase (MW) % Increase Peak Hours (Evening) 16,477 18,500 2,023 12.3% Off-peak Hours (Day) 14,000 15,500 1,500 10.7% The summer 2025 baseline represents the highest recorded generation during the last dry season.

the summer 2026 forecast accounts for the coinciding of the El Nino heatwaves. Table 4: Seasonal Generation Change- Recent Winter Versus Coming Summer 2026) Period Winter (January 2026)- Average Generation (MW) Summer (AprilJune 2026)- Projected Average Generation (MW) Seasonal Variation (MW) Peak Hours (Evening) 11,608 18,500 +6,892 Off-peak Hours (Day) 9,800 15,500 +5,700 The electricity-generation jump of nearly 6,900 MW between winter and summer is primarily driven by the massive irrigation load (estimated at 5,000 MW alone) and the high domestic cooling load required due to the El Nino transition. 5.

the Legal Con?ict: LD The most contentious issue currently facing the IPPs is the deduction of LD. 5.1 The Penalty Disputes The root of the legal dispute lies in the imposition of LD by the BPDB during periods of forced outages.

as per PPA, the BPDB deducts money as a penalty (LD) if a plant fails to provide power when called upon. However, from a legal point of view, this brings Section 13.2(j) of the standard PPA into sharp attention.

this clause entails that if the BPDB fails to settle undisputed invoices within a speci?c grace period, the producer’s contractual obligation to deliver dependable capacity (power) is effectively suspended. Such a period of suspension, necessitated by the buyer’s (i.e., BPDB) default, the law advocates that the producer should remain entitled to Capacity Payments without being penalized by LD deductions. 5.2 The 2026 Standoff Despite clear directives from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and various legal observations, the BPDB has continued to deduct LDs from IPP invoices.

these deductions are the difference between staying solvent and going bankrupt for many producers.

in the context of an El Nino summer, where equipment stress is high and fuel costs are peaking, these penalties could cripple the private power sector. 6. Fusion of Systemic Crisis: Facing ‘Power Nor-wester’ (April-September 2026) The upcoming situation (April-June 2026 through August/ September 2026), combining three factors, i.e., El Nino heat, Ef?ciency Derating, and Financial Liquidity, leads to a dangerous trend (could be termed as ‘Power Nor-wester’ 2026): ? Extreme heat increases the demand for electricity visa-vis decreases plant ef?ciency. ? Decreased ef?ciency requires more fuel to produce the same amount of power. ? Liquidity shortages make it impossible for IPPs to buy that extra fuel. ? Grid failure or load shedding occurs, leading the BPDB to penalize IPPs with LD penalties.

this cycle is unsustainable.

it secures the private sector due to the ?nancial crisis that it did not create, while the climate makes the operational environment more hostile every day.

taking into cognizance, the following table illustrates ‘dangerous trends’, where environmental, technical, and ?nancial factors unite to create a systemic crisis for the power sector.

table 5: Systemic Crisis of ‘Power Nor-wester 2026’ Issues Factors Impacts Remarks Trigger Extreme Heat (El Nino) Increases national power demand and simultaneously decreases plant ef?ciency Primary Catalyst Technical Ef?ciency Derating Thermal plants lose performance, require more fuel to produce the same amount of power Ef?ciency Gap Financial Liquidity Shortages IPPs lack cash ?ow to purchase extra fuel required by derated plants Resource Bottleneck Operational FGrid ailure Inability to sustain generation leads to widespread load shedding Systemic Instability Regulatory Penalties by BPDB Failure to supply power results in LD penalties Financial Penalization 7. Recommendations for 2026 To navigate the coming months, the Government and IPP stakeholders must steer towards a concerted and inclusive survival strategy. ? Immediate Liquidity Injection with Cash Infusion: The BPDB, with close coordination with the Ministry of Finance, must prioritize the release of outstanding dues to IPPs. Without cash ?ow, the ‘fuel chain’ will break long before the heat wave ends. ? LD Moratorium: The Government should implement a moratorium on LD for outages directly linked to payment delays or extreme temperature derating, for the duration of the 2026 El Nino peak (April-August 2026). ? Technical Benchmarking: Plants should be allowed to reassess and adjust their ‘Declared Capacity’ based on ambient temperature.

expecting a turbine to hit its ISOrated capacity at over 40°C is a physical impossibility and should not be a plea for ?nancial penalties. ? Focusing on Energy Security: The focus must shift from ‘punishing’ IPPs to ‘securing’ the supply of electricity. This includes streamlining LC processes for fuel imports and ensuring that coal, HFO, and LNG stocks are buffered before the peak heat arrives in April/June 2026. 8. Conclusion: A Call for Resilience The El Nino of 2026 is an environmental reality that cannot be altered. However, the ?nancial and legal framework of the power sector is something that should be controlled.

iPPs are being proven for their ability to build an ef?cient power generation infrastructure in record time. Now, it needs an inclusive coordinated effort to prove that all stakeholders are capable of managing a sustained power generation capacity through a time of crisis. By recognizing the physical limits of technology in extreme heat and the ?nancial limits of IPPs due to payment delays, the Government can prevent a total energy collapse.

the goal for this summer 2026 should be simple: keep the lights on, keep the fans spinning, keep the industry functioning, keep the productivity continuing, and ensure that the plants providing power remain ?nancially viable to ?ght the heat of another day. Colonel (retd) Engineer A R Mohammad Parvez Mazumder, afwc, psc References Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association (BIPPA). (2026). Position paper: Addressing the liquidity crisis and arti?cial defaults in the IPP sector. BIPPA Secretariat. Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). (2026). Longrange seasonal forecast: March-August 2026. Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). (2025). Annual report 2024-2025: Generation statistics and ?nancial overview. BPDB. Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). (2025). Order on bulk power tariff and adjudication of liquidated damages (LD) disputes (Reference No. BERC/2025/Case-09). Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB). (2026). Strategic brief: Energy security amidst geopolitical instability and climatic extremes.

iEEE Power and Energy Society. (2023). Standard for performance rating of gas turbines under non-ISO conditions (Ambient temperature derating).

iEEE Std 1234.

international Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). (2024).

iEC 61215: Terrestrial photovoltaic (PV) modules- Design quali?cation and type approval (Impact of temperature coef?cients). Karnaphuli Hydro Power Station. (2026). Hydrological impact assessment: Reservoir management during ENSO transitions. Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources. (2024). Standard power purchase agreement (PPA) for independent power producers (IPPs) in Bangladesh: Section 13.2(j) – Force Majeure and excused outages. Power Cell. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ Climate Prediction Center. (2026, March).

eNSO: Recent evolution, current status and predictions. World Meteorological Organization (WMO). (2026). Global seasonal climate update for March-May 2026. WMO Secretariat

New modeling by Ember ?nds that solar paired with battery storage could supply 90% of India’s electricity demand at an LCOE of INR 5.06/kWh.

the study ?nds that while a fully solar-powered system is technically possible, pushing toward 100% would be signi?cantly more expensive. Each additional percentage point would require disproportionately more solar and storage capacity, driving up overall system costs. With other clean sources such as wind, hydro, and nuclear already in place or planned, the report suggests India would not need to rely on solar alone.

india’s electricity demand exceeded 2,000 TWh in 2024. Meeting 90% of that demand would require around 930 GW of solar capacity – less than one-third of the country’s estimated 3,343 GW of feasible ground-mounted solar potential – and 2,560 GWh of battery storage. This equates to 4.9 GW of solar capacity and 13.5 GWh of battery storage for every 1 GW of average demand.

the study estimates that only 5% of annual solar generation would need to be curtailed.

Bangladesh’s remarkable economic growth over the past two decades has been powered largely by natural gas and affordable energy.

as industries expand, cities grow, and electricity demand continues to rise, ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply has become one of the country’s most critical national priorities.

today, however, the energy landscape is changing rapidly. Declining domestic gas reserves, increasing dependence on imported fuels, and rising geopolitical tensions in global energy markets are creating new challenges for Bangladesh. Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran and instability in the Middle East have once again highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supply chains.

a large portion of the world’s oil and lique?ed natural gas (LNG) exports pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

any disruption in this region can quickly affect international energy prices and supply availability. For energyimporting countries like Bangladesh, such disruptions can lead to higher costs, shortages, and economic pressure. Bangladesh’s Growing Energy Challenge Bangladesh’s demand for natural gas has grown steadily with the expansion of power generation, fertilizer production, and export-oriented industries such as textiles and manufacturing. While domestic gas ?elds once supplied most of the country’s needs, production from many of these ?elds has been gradually declining.

as a result, the gap between demand and domestic supply continues to widen.

to address this shortage, Bangladesh has increasingly relied on imported LNG and installed 2 Floating Storage and Regasi?cation Units (FSRUs) in Moheshkhali. FSRUs have helped the country start LNG imports quickly and bridge part of the supply gap. However, these ?oating solutions are not a complete long-term answer.

they have limitations in terms of storage capacity, weather vulnerability, and operational stability.

at the same time, LPG consumption in Bangladesh has been growing rapidly, particularly for household cooking and commercial uses. With urbanization and rising living standards, demand for LPG is expected to increase further in the coming years.

these realities indicate that Bangladesh needs a stronger, more permanent energy import infrastructure to support its future energy needs.

the Role of Land-Based Energy Terminals One strategic solution is the development of modern land-based energy terminals capable of handling Energy (LNG, LPG, and others Petroleum products) imports, storage, and distribution. Such terminals provide several key advantages that can signi?cantly strengthen Bangladesh’s energy system. First, land-based terminals allow the development of large storage capacity. This enables the country to maintain strategic reserves of Energy, reducing the risk of supply disruptions caused by global crises, shipping delays, or geopolitical con?icts. Strategic reserves can provide a buffer during emergencies and allow the government to manage energy supply more effectively. Second, land-based facilities offer greater operational stability and safety compared with ?oating solutions. While FSRUs are valuable for rapid deployment, permanent onshore terminals can operate for decades with higher ef?ciency, improved safety systems, and larger handling capacity.

third, such terminals can help diversify supply sources. With adequate infrastructure, Bangladesh can import LNG and LPG from multiple regions, including the United States, Africa, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Diversi?cation reduces dependence on any single supplier or region and strengthens negotiating power when securing long-term contracts. Fourth, modern terminals can support future energy market development. With adequate storage and import capacity, Bangladesh could improve gas distribution, stabilize supply for industries, and even develop regional energy trading opportunities in the future.

economic Bene?ts for Industry and Power GenerationA reliable energy supply is essential for Bangladesh’s industrial competitiveness.

industries such as textiles, ceramics, steel, and fertilizer depend heavily on an uninterrupted gas and energy supply.

energy shortages often lead to production disruptions, higher manufacturing costs, and loss of export competitiveness. By ensuring stable access to imported LNG and LPG, modern energy terminals can help maintain continuous industrial operations, support export growth, and attract new investment into the country’s manufacturing sector.

the power sector would also bene?t signi?cantly.

a reliable gas supply would help power plants operate more ef?ciently and reduce dependence on expensive liquid fuels such as diesel and furnace oil. Challenges in Developing Energy Terminals Despite their strategic importance, developing large energy terminals involves several challenges.

one major challenge is high capital investment. LNG and LPG terminals require signi?cant funding for storage tanks, regasi?cation systems, pipelines, marine facilities, and safety infrastructure.

another challenge is land availability and environmental considerations. Proper site selection is critical to ensure safety, minimize environmental impact, and allow ef?cient connection with the national gas pipeline network.

in addition, regulatory coordination among different government agencies is necessary to ensure timely project approvals, infrastructure planning, and integration with national energy policies. Global market volatility also presents a challenge. LNG prices can ?uctuate signi?cantly depending on global demand, weather patterns, and geopolitical developments.

overcoming the Challenges These challenges can be addressed through careful planning and strong policy support. First, public-private partnerships can help mobilize the large investments required for energy infrastructure. Private sector participation, combined with government support, can accelerate project development and reduce ?nancial pressure on the state. Second, adopting clear and stable regulatory frameworks will encourage long-term investment in energy infrastructure.

transparent policies and ef?cient approval processes can signi?cantly shorten project timelines.

third, Bangladesh can strengthen its long-term LNG procurement strategy, combining spot purchases with longterm contracts to balance price stability and supply ?exibility. Finally, integrating new terminals with national energy planning- including pipeline expansion, storage development, and gas distribution upgrades-will ensure that imported fuel can be delivered ef?ciently to power plants and industries across the country.

accelerating Offshore Exploration While strengthening import infrastructure is essential for immediate energy security, Bangladesh must also focus on expanding domestic energy production to reduce long-term dependence on imports.

the country has signi?cant untapped potential for hydrocarbon exploration in the offshore areas of the Bay of Bengal. Despite this potential, offshore exploration activities have remained limited over the years.

accelerating exploration through modern seismic surveys, improved regulatory frameworks, and attractive productionsharing contracts could encourage greater participation from experienced international oil companies. Successful offshore gas discoveries could signi?cantly strengthen Bangladesh’s domestic energy supply, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and provide long-term stability to the national energy system.

even a few large discoveries could supply the country’s gas network for many years, supporting power generation, industry, and economic growth.

a Balanced Strategy for Energy Security The lessons from recent global con?icts clearly demonstrate that energy security cannot rely on a single solution. Bangladesh needs a balanced and forward-looking strategy that combines domestic resource development with reliable import infrastructure.

expanding LNG, LPG, and other petroleum products import capacity through modern land-based terminals will ensure stable short- and mediumterm supply.

at the same time, accelerating offshore gas exploration will help strengthen domestic production and reduce long-term dependence on imported energy. Such a diversi?ed approach will enhance Bangladesh’s resilience against global market volatility, geopolitical disruptions, and supply shocks. Looking Ahead In an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape, energy infrastructure must be viewed not merely as an economic investment but as a strategic national priority. By strengthening import capacity, diversifying supply sources, and unlocking offshore gas potential, Bangladesh can build a more secure and resilient energy future.

the recent Gulf crisis provides an important lesson: countries that invest early in strong and diversi?ed energy systems are far better prepared to navigate global uncertainty. For Bangladesh, the time to act is now

A high-level delegation from the Environment Committee of the German Parliament (Bundestag) paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at the Bangladesh Secretariat recently. During the meeting, the minister highlighted the long-standing and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Germany, describing the partnership as strong and multidimensional, covering trade, development cooperation, and environmental sustainability.

talks focused on enhancing technical and ?nancial cooperation to support Bangladesh’s climate and environmental priorities. Key areas identi?ed for collaboration included capacity building, research and knowledge sharing, circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, water recycling, energy ef?ciency, green cooling, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable industrial development

Environment , Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo held a meeting with Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, at the Bangladesh Secretariat recently, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors. During the meeting, both sides discussed enhancing collaboration in environment, forestry, climate change, energy, education, and tourism.

the minister noted that Bangladesh and Nepal are both highly vulnerable to climate risks, making it essential to expand afforestation efforts and increase the use of environmentally friendly technologies in the energy sector. He also highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to protect the environment and promote climate-resilient development.

As escalating Middle East hostilities and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz rattle commodity markets, including natural gas, countries that rely on regional supplies, including Bangladesh, are seeking options to fend off shortages. Muhammed Aziz Khan, chairman of Summit Group, spoke with SandP Global Energy Platts Editorial Lead Surabhi Sahu about the present geopolitical risks shaping the global LNG landscape and impacting the country’s LNG supply and outlook. Khan also shared Summit’s growth plans, including the company’s entry into the country’s data center market.

energy and Power reprints this interview for its readers.

the Summit Group, headquartered in both Dhaka and Singapore, is among the largest Bangladeshi infrastructure conglomerates.

the company has business interests in communication, trading, energy, power, and shipping. What is your outlook for Bangladesh’s LNG imports in the future? I believe that LNG and its related infrastructure are essential to meet the country’s growing energy needs. Bangladesh’s LNG imports are expected to reach 7.2 million metric tonnes per annum in 2026 from an estimated 6.8 million mt/year in 2025.

the country’s LNG imports could even reach 15 million mt/year in the coming years, with a 6%7% gross domestic product growth. Bangladesh has secured a lower tariff rate with the US under a trade deal signed in February. Bangladesh’s lower tariffs compared to some neighboring countries give it an edge over other competitors. So, the foreign currency situation is expected to continue improving, accelerating the country’s economic growth. Looking at the situation in the Middle East, how do you see geopolitical risks shaping global LNG markets and prices? The Iran war has reminded the world once again that LNG is not only a commodity but a ‘geopolitical market’.

a developing country, Bangladesh has had to buy spot LNG for as high as approximately $23/MMBtu.

the market is being shaped in three ways. First, there is now a much larger security premium in LNG prices. Second, buyers are rediscovering the value of long-term contracts and diversi?ed origins.

third, physical availability matters as much as price, because when shipping routes are threatened, even a buyer willing to pay more may not get the molecules on time.

this is why geopolitical risk today is setting both the ?oor and the volatility of LNG prices. How is the Middle East war impacting Bangladesh’s LNG and gas supplies? Bangladesh is highly exposed.

it imports LNG through two operational FSRUs [?oating storage and regasi?cation units] with a combined regasi?cation capacity of about 7.5 million mt/year, and imported 109 LNG cargoes in 2025, costing about $3.88 billion.

it also relies on imports for roughly 95% of its energy needs.

that $3.88 billion can easily become $7 billion plus, which the country can ill afford.

the immediate effect of the war has already been severe. Qatar suspended long-term LNG deliveries to Bangladesh under force majeure.

on the liquid fuel side, Bangladesh has adequate diesel and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to meet approximately one month of demand.

thereafter, the high prices that Bangladesh will require to pay will harm the country’s macroeconomics and may cause stag?ation. How can the country tide over gas shortages or meet its energy needs in the current geopolitical landscape? What is Summit’s role in situations like this? Bangladesh must ?rst stabilize the current situation through immediate measures.

the government should prioritize the use of electricity, gas, and oil for power generation, essential industry, and agriculture, while introducing strict rationing where necessary.

taxes on imported energy – LNG, coal, diesel and fuel oil – should be temporarily removed to reduce procurement costs.

at the same time, prices must gradually re?ect real market conditions to discourage wasteful consumptionOperationally, Bangladesh should urgently build strategic fuel inventories. Agencies such as Bangladesh Power Development Board and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation could rent under-utilized private storage terminals and stockpile heavy fuel oil, diesel and coal while supplies remain available.

in the longer term, Bangladesh must strengthen energy security through diversi?cation.

this includes sourcing LNG from multiple regions beyond the Strait of Hormuz, expanding regasi?cation capacity, and encouraging private and foreign investment in energy infrastructure.

equally important are imports of green electricity from neighboring countries, particularly hydropower, and accelerating offshore gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal. Companies such as Summit can contribute by investing in diversi?ed LNG supply, additional infrastructure and regional energy partnerships that make Bangladesh’s energy system more resilient. Privatization is key to securing foreign direct investment, LNG import, energy oil import and distribution infrastructures may be a ?rst step toward that. Huge investments are necessary for the country to eradicate poverty and transform into a developed nation. Summit Group presently operates one of the two FSRUs in the country. How is Summit planning to grow its LNG business? Last year, Summit’s FSRU completed its 250th ship-to-ship transfer operation. During the 2024-2025 ?nancial year ending June 30, 2025, the terminal supplied approximately 13% of the country’s total gas demand, playing a vital role in ensuring Bangladesh’s energy security. Since its commissioning in April 2019, Summit LNG Terminal has received about 35 million cu m of LNG and supplied approximately 785,549,295 MMBtu of regasi?ed LNG to the national gas grid, the company shared in a statement on Nov. 30 The Summit Group also aimed to build Bangladesh’s ?rst onshore LNG terminal at Matarbari Island in the Bay of Bengal on a build, own, operate and transfer basis. However, the plan has been delayed due to the abolition of the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, 2010, which was repealed by the government in 2024.

the implementation of the onshore terminal could now occur in two forms in the future — either through an international tender or a governmentto-government contract. So, if an international tender is launched, we will participate in it. However, if it is a government-to-government contract, then we will only be able to receive services from the terminal owned by the government of Bangladesh Summit had also been awarded a contract to build the country’s third FSRU and its second FSRU to meet increasing energy demand. However, in 2024, the Bangladesh government canceled the FSRU project, and Summit is contesting the cancellation.

the FSRU project is currently under judicial review. Summit is targeting Bangladesh’s data center market. What factors are prompting Summit’s foray into this segment? Bangladesh and Summit are uniquely positioned with excess electricity capacity for the next few years.

the country’s recently enacted Personal Data Protection Ordinance, 2025, is also expected to stimulate demand for domestic data centers.

the Group will leverage its subsidiary, Summit Technopolis Hi Tech Park, or its vacant land alongside the power plants and the river, to build its ?rst large-scale facility in Dhaka.

the Group currently has approximately 350 MW of capacity that could be dedicated to data centers, positioning it as a hyperscaler.

the company is in the process of laying optical ?bers from Bangladesh to Singapore, with the work seeing slight delays due to regulatory hurdles in Bangladesh. However, I am hopeful that those hurdles will be overcome, and subject to government permissions, Summit can build its ?rst data center in about 18 months. Summit is also open to strategic partners who bring marketing expertise to its data centers.

the company’s development team is also exploring opportunities to import green electricity from countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

after the February election, what are your hopes and aspirations for the new government to develop the country’s energy sector? The hopes and aspirations are huge. Politically, a democratic and a freemarket oriented governance is desirable to spur economic growth. From my perspective, the rule of law will prevail, reposing trust in investments and in Bangladesh’s institutions. Economic growth will hopefully encompass quality education, better public healthcare, strengthen other social infrastructure and retain its relevance in this changing world to also accelerate digital and AI. Physical infrastructure is also required, including LNG terminals, ports, data transmission, roads and highways. These will create youth employment opportunities and development

The government has decided to keep fuel oil prices unchanged for the month of April, keeping rates unchanged for a second consecutive month, with petrol, octane, diesel and kerosene to be sold at existing prices.

the information was disclosed recently in an of?cial order issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

according to the order, the prices have been reviewed and adjusted in line with the revised automatic fuel pricing guidelines by the competent authority at the consumer level.

as per the existing rates, the consumer-level price of Diesel in April has been set at Taka 100 per liter.

the price of Kerosene is Taka 112 per liter, Petrol Taka 116, and Octane Taka 120 per liter. These were also the prices in February and March.

the decision will come into effect from tomorrow, April 1.

Daffodil International University (DIU) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Paramount Group to implement a 3 . 4 – mega watt solar power project aimed at expanding the use of renewable energy on campus.

to mark the occasion, a signing ceremony was recently held at the university’s permanent campus, Daffodil Smart City.

among those present at the event were Paramount Group Chairman Shakhawat Hossain; Chairman of the DIU Board of Trustees Mohammad Sabur Khan; Vice-Chancellor M R Kabir; Pro Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Masum Iqbal; Treasurer Hamidul Haque Khan; Registrar Mohammad Nadir Bin Ali; and Trustee Board Member Mohammad Imran Hossain.

according to a press release, the initiative aims to expand the use of renewable energy and develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly campus.

A government committee has recommended approval of a proposal to procure two spot Lique?ed Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes, as Bangladesh continues to grapple with mounting pressure on its energy supply amid global market volatility.

the proposal, placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, seeks to import two LNG cargoes under the Public Procurement Rules 2025 through an international quotation process from the spot market.

according to of?cial sources, the cargoes are scheduled for delivery on April 24-25 (10th cargo) and April 27-28 (11th cargo). Both cargoes are proposed to be purchased from TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited of the United Kingdom at a quoted price of US$19.77 per MMBtu.

each cargo will cost more than Tk 833 crore each.

the Purchase Committee meeting has taken the move that took place at the Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khorsu Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair.

Australia ‘s Energy Minister Chris Bowen has warned fuel retailers against ‘dangerous’ price gouging as petrol prices surge due to panic buying triggered by the con?ict in the Middle East.

to increase supply, the government announced a 20 percent reduction in the country’s Minimum Stockholding Obligation for petrol and diesel. The move could release up to 762 million liters of fuel from Australia’s domestic reserves to ease shortages in affected regions. Bowen urged citizens to avoid panic purchasing and buy only the fuel they need, stressing that selling fuel at in?ated prices is ‘unAustralian’ and harmful to the public.