Dhaka:The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given the green light for the direct procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from four international suppliers, including Japan's JERA Global Markets Pte Ltd, to address the nation's energy needs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the committee, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, also endorsed a policy to reduce the tender submission period for purchasing 6,200 tonnes of dates for Ramadan in 2027 and to implement mobile network coverage at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The committee's recommendations include policy approval for purchasing LNG directly from JERA Global Markets Pte Ltd (JERAGM) of Japan, under Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and Rule 99(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025. This proposal also involves signing a short-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and a term sheet between Petrobangla and JERAGM.
Additionally, the committee recommended policies for direct procurement of LNG from ADNOC Trading Ltd of the UAE and from Nigeria's Ojimadu and Marites Oil Marketing Nigeria Ltd, as well as Uzzy Gems Beehive. These proposals were submitted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.
For the procurement of dates, the Commerce Ministry's proposal, citing urgent state requirements, was placed under Rule 102(1)(a) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025. Furthermore, a policy for direct procurement to install mobile network coverage at the airport's third terminal was approved, under a project titled 'Installation of Mobile Network at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal'.