The government is set to procure two additional cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at sharply elevated costs as global energy prices continue to surge. The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase has formally recommended the approval of these procurement proposals, which will see the state paying well over twenty-four US dollars per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for the upcoming shipments.
The decision was finalised on Monday during a meeting of the purchase committee held at the Secretariat in Dhaka, presided over by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the procurement was processed through international quotation collection methods in accordance with sub-rule 3(a) of Rule 105 of the Public Procurement Rules 2025.
Breakdown of the New LNG Shipments and Suppliers
Under the newly approved proposals, the forty-sixth LNG cargo—scheduled for delivery between September 13 and 14—will be supplied by POSCO International Corporation. The cost for this specific consignment has been set at $24.625 per MMBtu. Meanwhile, the forty-seventh cargo, scheduled for delivery between September 23 and 24, will be provided by the United Kingdom-based TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited at a rate of $24.25 per MMBtu.
This latest approval follows closely on the heels of a decision made just last week. On August 19, the purchase committee greenlit a cargo from Aramco Trading Singapore Private Limited at $23.93 per MMBtu, amounting to a total expenditure of roughly 395.2 million taka.
Rapid Escalation in Global Energy Costs
The soaring costs underline a dramatic escalation in international energy markets over recent months. Only last December, the government was able to secure LNG shipments at comfortably under $10.50 per MMBtu. Within a relatively short span, however, prices have more than doubled. This persistent upward trajectory places mounting fiscal pressure on state coffers as authorities scramble to maintain uninterrupted gas supplies for domestic power generation, industrial manufacturing, and seasonal commercial demands.
Comprehensive Summary of LNG Procurement Data
| Parameter / Metric | Details and Specific Figures |
| Decision-Making Body | Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase |
| Meeting Chair | Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury |
| Meeting Venue | The Secretariat, Dhaka |
| Total Cargoes Approved | Two consignments of liquefied natural gas |
| First Cargo Supplier | POSCO International Corporation |
| First Cargo Schedule | September 13 to 14 |
| First Cargo Unit Price | $24.625 per MMBtu |
| Second Cargo Supplier | TotalEnergies Gas and Power Limited, UK |
| Second Cargo Schedule | September 23 to 24 |
| Second Cargo Unit Price | $24.25 per MMBtu |
| Previous Week’s Purchase Price | $23.93 per MMBtu (Aramco Trading) |
| Previous Week’s Total Cost | Approximately 395.2 million taka |
| Historical Price Comparison | Under $10.50 per MMBtu in December |
| Procurement Framework | Rule 105, Sub-rule 3(a) of PPR 2025 |
