Guideline issued for importing LNG

The government has come up with a guideline for importing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), aimed at ensuring the availability of sufficient energy in Bangladesh.

Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, secretary for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, made the announcement today, while speaking at a seminar on building LNG infrastructure and LNG imports and supply in the private sector.

Hydrocarbon Unit of the division organised the seminar in the capital.

Speaking at the event, the energy secretary said: “Energy is important for the economic development of the country. But due to infrastructural limitations, the government alone is not able to supply gas to all users. Therefore, we have decided to keep it open for the private sector. 

“If anyone wishes to import LNG and is able to fulfil all conditions as per the guideline, the government will welcome them.”

According to the newly issued guideline, a company must have the financial strength and at least five years of practical working experience in the power and energy sectors, or heavy industries.

Private companies are allowed to install transmission and distribution pipelines to supply LNG. However, they have the opportunity to use government transmission lines, which will include separate wheeling charge.

Importers and users will fix the price of gas through negotiation. But if they want to sell LNG to the government, it has to meet Petrobangla’s specifications and Petrobangla will fix the price.

Among others, Md Mostafa Kamal, director (administration) of Petrobangla, and SM Manjurul Kader, director general of the Hydrocarbon Unit, were also present at the seminar.