Govt to import LNG from Brunei

Bangladesh will import LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Brunei on a long term basis under a G-to-G contract, reports UNB.

The Advisors Council Committee on Economic Affairs (ACCEA), in a meeting with Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair, approved in principle a proposal in this regard on Wednesday.

Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources moved a proposal of state-owned Petrobangla to seek the approval for such a long term contract.

Currently, Bangladesh has been importing LNG from Qatar and Oman on a long term basis under government to government (G-to-G) agreements.

Last year, the previous Awami League government signed two more contracts with the two countries to import more LNG.

Under the new proposal, state-owned Brunei Energy Services and Trading Sdn Bhd (BEST) will supply the LNG to Bangladesh.

About the proposal, Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker said since this has been an in principle approval, now the organisation will start negotiation to set price of the LNG and also a contract period.

"Until negotiations end, nothing will be set regarding the price and contract period of the supply, "he told UNB.Official sources said the Southeast Asian nation Brunei Darussalam has been pursuing Dhaka to export its petroleum products, specially, LNG to Bangladesh.