Doha: Qatar has agreed to renew a recently expired Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on LNG supply to Bangladesh and work on technical details for a proposed land-based LNG terminal in the country. Qatar State Minister for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi assured this commitment during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Earthna Summit in Doha.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Qatar and Bangladesh initially signed a Sell Purchase Agreement (LNG SPA) in September 2017 for the import of 1.5-2.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG for 15 years. This agreement facilitated the import of forty cargoes annually. A second agreement was signed in June 2023, adding another 1.5 million tonnes of LNG annually for 15 years, effective from January 2026. The MoU associated with the LNG SPA expired in January, prompting Qatar to renew its commitment to Bangladesh.
Qatari State Minister Al Kaabi emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships and expressed optimism about decreasing LNG prices as Qatar plans to double its production capacity. He reiterated Qatar’s support for Bangladesh, highlighting that such long-term contracts ensure supply security.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in exploring its energy potential with Qatar’s assistance. He stressed the need for Qatar’s help in reorganizing Bangladesh’s energy sector. Energy Adviser Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan revealed Bangladesh’s plans to develop a land-based LNG terminal in Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar, which will include the construction of a pipeline to enhance energy infrastructure.
Bangladesh aims to increase the number of LNG cargoes imported from Qatar, as current terminals can handle up to 115 cargoes annually. During the discussions, the Qatari state minister indicated plans to increase urea fertilizer supplies to Bangladesh as well.
The meeting was attended by other key figures, including Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud, SDG Affairs Secretary Lamiya Morshed, and Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam.