To mitigate a potential energy crisis fueled by the escalating conflict involving Iran, the Bangladesh government has moved to secure emergency supplies of fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
On Saturday, April 4, the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) approved the urgent procurement of 100,000 tons of diesel and two cargoes of LNG during a virtual meeting presided over by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
Emergency Diesel Procurement
The committee authorized the direct purchase of 100,000 tons of 50 ppm sulfur diesel from the Kazakhstan-based supplier, Kazakh Gas Processing Plant LLP.
Total Cost: Approximately $55.99 million (equivalent to roughly 689.30 crore BDT).
Unit Price: The price is set at $75.06 per barrel.
LNG Imports to Stabilize Supply
In a separate proposal, the government greenlit the import of two LNG cargoes from Aramco Trading Singapore Pvt. Ltd. to bolster the national grid.
Estimated Cost: Approximately 1,560 crore BDT.
Pricing: Sources indicate the price will exceed $19 per MMBtu.
According to officials present at the meeting, while the diesel figures are firm, the final cost for the two LNG cargoes may fluctuate slightly based on market variables at the time of delivery.
Strategic Response to Regional Conflict
The decision comes as a proactive measure to shield the domestic economy from volatility in the global energy market.
With tensions rising in the Middle East and threats to the Strait of Hormuz—a primary transit point for global oil and gas—the government is prioritizing the buildup of national reserves to ensure uninterrupted power and industrial production.
