Bangladesh Plans Two New LNG Import Terminals by 2030
Dhaka: Bangladesh is planning to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure by developing two new import terminals by 2030 to meet growing demand for the fuel.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit said on Friday that the country plans to commission a new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) by 2028. A separate land-based LNG import terminal is also planned at Matarbari by 2030.
New Floating LNG Terminal to Add 600 mmcfd Capacity
The proposed floating LNG facility will be located near Moheshkhali Island in Cox’s Bazar district.
According to the minister, the terminal will have an estimated regasification capacity of around 600 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd).
Bangladesh currently operates two floating LNG import terminals with a combined regasification capacity of approximately 1,100 mmcfd.
Matarbari Terminal Planned for 2030
The government is also preparing to establish a land-based LNG import terminal at Matarbari.
The facility is expected to have a regasification capacity of around 1,000 mmcfd, significantly increasing the country’s ability to process imported LNG.
The expansion is being planned in anticipation of rising natural gas demand over the coming decades.
LNG Demand Expected to Rise Sharply
Amit said Bangladesh will require an additional 3 to 4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG between 2026 and 2030.
The projected requirement is expected to increase substantially during the following decade, with additional LNG demand estimated at around 17 to 18 mtpa between 2031 and 2040.
The government is therefore seeking to strengthen import and regasification infrastructure to prepare for future energy requirements.
Bangladesh Imported Nearly 7 Million Tonnes of LNG
Bangladesh imported nearly 7 million tonnes of LNG in 2025, with Qatar supplying the largest share of the country’s imports, according to data from analytics firm Kpler.
However, LNG supplies have faced disruptions this year following damage to Qatar’s LNG facilities amid the US-Iran conflict.
As a result, Bangladesh has increasingly relied on spot-market LNG purchases to maintain supplies.
Qatar Cuts Scheduled LNG Deliveries
In July, QatarEnergy reduced its scheduled LNG deliveries to Bangladesh for the year by half.
Petrobangla Acting Chairman Abdul Mannan previously said that the impact of the conflict had affected LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bangladesh’s state-owned energy company has consequently been exploring alternative supply arrangements, including additional spot-market purchases and government-to-government agreements with other LNG producers.
Bangladesh Turns to Other Energy Sources
Bangladesh has also adjusted its power generation strategy amid higher LNG prices and supply challenges.
In March, when Asian spot LNG prices rose to three-year highs and nearly doubled, the country reportedly increased coal-based power generation as well as electricity imports from coal-fired power plants.
The planned LNG terminals are expected to give Bangladesh greater flexibility in securing gas supplies and supporting its energy needs as demand continues to grow.
