Government greenlights acquisition of two liquefied natural gas shipments from open marketplaces
The Bangladesh government has taken a significant step towards meeting its growing energy demands by approving the purchase of two LNG cargoes from M/S Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd and PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
The decision was made at the 31st meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase, held on August 12, 2025, and chaired by the Finance Adviser. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Division.
M/S Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd will supply one LNG cargo at a price of approximately $11.97 per MMBtu, costing about Tk 502.94 crore (approx. 5.03 billion Taka). On the other hand, PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd will supply one LNG cargo at a price of $11.90 per MMBtu, costing about Tk 484.38 crore (approx. 4.84 billion Taka).
These spot market purchases align with Bangladesh's strategy to diversify LNG suppliers and utilise spot market flexibility amid global price dynamics. The exact arrival dates for these LNG cargoes are not specified, but since they were approved in August 2025, they are expected to arrive in the near term to support immediate energy needs.
The procurement process for these LNG cargoes was carried out through an international quotation process, with 23 suppliers invited for the tender. Six suppliers submitted bids for one tender, and three suppliers submitted bids for another. The purchase follows the 'Public Procurement Rules, 2008.'
In addition to the LNG purchases, the government is also acquiring two bulk carriers separately to improve logistics. However, these are unrelated to the LNG shipment timing.
The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources proposed the purchase of the two LNG cargoes, while the Ministry of Shipping proposed the purchase of the two bulk carrier ships. The Finance Adviser of the meeting was Salehuddin Ahmed.
Each LNG cargo will contain 33.6 lakh MMBtu. The total cost of the LNG purchase is Tk 987.33 crore. The ships will be purchased from Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC.
The arrival months for the LNG cargoes are expected to be September and October. PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd will supply one cargo of LNG, with an expected arrival in October, while M/S Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd will supply one cargo of LNG, with an expected arrival in September.
The decision to purchase two LNG cargoes from M/S Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd and PetroChina International (Singapore) Pte Ltd, aligning with Bangladesh's strategy to diversify energy sources, falls under the broader context of the country's energy and finance sectors, as the total cost of the LNG purchase is approximately 987.33 crore Taka. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, responsible for the LNG procurement, is also seeking to improve logistics by acquiring two bulk carrier ships from an external source, thus underlining the government's commitment to strengthening its business and energy infrastructure.
