Extension of gas sales agreement between LafargeHolcim and Jalalabad Gas
At a meeting held at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at 12:00 noon on December 18, 2024, the parties agreed in principle to extend the existing Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) between Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Ltd. (JGTDS) and LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC (LHB), effective from January 17, 2026.
Mr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Honourable Advisor, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, presided over the meeting. Mr Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA); Mr Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary, Energy and Mineral Resource Division; Mr Zanendra Nath Sarker, Chairman, Petrobangla, Assistant Attorney General Mr Arif Khan, and from LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Mr Christof Hassig, Chairman, Mr Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO, Mr Kazi Mizanur Rahman, Director Strategic Projects and Company Secretary and Sarker Shoeb Ahmed, GM, Corporate Affairs were present during the meeting.
The in principle agreed extension of the existing GSA reflects the mutual commitment of the Government of Bangladesh and LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC to continue their collaboration. The gas supplied under the GSA is crucial for LafargeHolcim's Surma Plant in Chhatak, the only integrated cement plant in Bangladesh that produces Clinker, Cement and Aggregates. The plant sources limestone from its quarry in Meghalaya, India, transported via a 17-kilometre-long cross-border conveyor belt.
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On this occasion, Mr Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA remarked, "Foreign investors like LafargeHolcim are crucial drivers of economic growth. Fast-decisive steps in such instances portray our intention to support the business community. We are open for business."
Expressing gratitude, Mr Chistof Hassig, Chairman of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh PLC, stated, "We are very thankful to the Government of Bangladesh. The authority has resolved the long-pending issue with utmost priority, which portrays their support for foreign direct investment in Bangladesh."
The extension of the GSA signifies a continued partnership to support sustainable industrial growth and enhance investor confidence in Bangladesh's economic landscape.
