Published: April 23, 2025, 03:56 PM
Qatar has agreed to renew a recently expired Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply and to advance technical discussions on a proposed land-based LNG terminal in Cox’s Bazar.
The commitment came during a meeting between Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha on Tuesday.
“We want to support Bangladesh as much as possible, and we will continue doing that,” said Kaabi, according to a press release.
The original MoU, which was tied to a long-term LNG supply arrangement, expired in January. Under an existing LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed in 2017, Bangladesh currently imports 1.5–2.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG from Qatar for 15 years through a government-to-government deal with Qatargas.
A second SPA, signed in June 2023, will add another 1.5 MTPA starting in January 2026. Qatar now supplies 40 LNG cargoes annually to Bangladesh, with the capacity to increase.
“We will sign the MoU right away,” said Kaabi, noting that long-term contracts are vital for energy supply security. He also mentioned that global LNG prices may decline as Qatar works to double its production.
Chief Adviser Yunus expressed interest in strengthening energy cooperation, stating, “We need your help to reorganise our energy sector.”
Energy Adviser Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan added that Bangladesh plans to construct a land-based LNG terminal and pipeline in Matarbari, aiming to accommodate up to 115 cargoes per year.
Kaabi also noted Qatar’s interest in expanding urea fertiliser exports to Bangladesh.
