The approval follows a recommendation submitted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under Rule 105, Sub-rule 3, Clause (a) of the Public Procurement Rules 2025. International quotations were invited to secure the two shipments. South Korea’s Posco International Corporation will supply the 46th cargo, scheduled for delivery between 13 and 14 September, at a price of $24.625 per MMBtu (million British thermal units). Meanwhile, the 47th cargo, scheduled for delivery between 23 and 24 September, will be supplied by TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited, UK, at $24.25 per MMBtu.

The latest purchase underscores how rapidly import costs have escalated over recent months. Just last week, on 19 August, the purchase committee approved the procurement of a single LNG cargo from Aramco Trading Singapore Private Limited at $23.93 per MMBtu, incurring a total expenditure of 395.2 million taka. In contrast, Bangladesh was able to purchase spot LNG at rates under $10.50 per MMBtu as recently as last December. Prices have more than doubled since then, placing considerable pressure on national expenditure.

The decision to procure spot market cargoes comes as domestic industrial production, power generation, and commercial activities face operational strains caused by natural gas shortages. While long-term contracts provide a baseline supply, volatile spot market purchases remain essential to bridging immediate deficits. Industry experts note that sustained price surges in global gas markets will inevitably heighten fiscal pressure on the national treasury and increase overall energy procurement costs across domestic sectors.