The government is struggling to secure liquefied natural gas (LNG) as none of the cargoes ordered through the direct procurement method (DPM) have arrived. With LNG unavailable as needed, the government has had to buy cargoes at higher prices in emergency tenders, increasing the cost of one cargo by at least Tk 1.65 billion.

Petrobangla oversees LNG imports with approval from the Energy Division, while its subsidiary Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL) is responsible for importing the fuel.

Three officials involved in LNG supply told Prothom Alo that LNG prices are rising with every tender. They said LNG could have been purchased at lower prices had tenders been invited earlier instead of using the DPM.

According to Petrobangla and RPGCL sources, tenders were invited on 17 August to purchase three LNG cargoes for August and two for the first week of September. British Petroleum (BP) emerged as the lowest bidder for two cargoes, quoting less than USD 22 per unit.

A second tender was called on 18 August for three more cargoes, with Saudi Aramco emerging as the lowest bidder for the 1–2 September cargo at below USD 24.

In a third tender on 19 August, BP offered USD 25.31 for the 26–27 August cargo. The government decided not to buy the 29–30 August cargo because bids were even higher.