CHATTOGRAM: In a major move to bolster the national energy grid, three massive vessels carrying nearly 200,000 tons of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) are set to arrive at Chattogram Port within five days. One of the tankers has already entered Bangladesh’s maritime boundary, while the remaining two are scheduled to dock by next Wednesday. The total volume of LNG across these three shipments is estimated at approximately 193,000 tons.
Chattogram Port Authority Secretary Syed Refayet Hamim confirmed the development on Friday (March 27), stating that the tanker ‘HL Puffin’ arrived at the Kutubdia coast on Thursday with 61,997 tons of LNG from Australia. Additionally, the ‘New Brave’ carrying 61,000 tons from Indonesia and the ‘Celsius Galapagos’ with nearly 70,000 tons from the USA are expected to reach the port by Wednesday.
While Qatar traditionally accounts for 70% of Bangladesh’s LNG imports, recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have created supply uncertainties. Two Qatari tankers expected earlier this month faced delays, with one remains stranded at Ras Laffan Port. Despite these challenges, Petrobangla officials emphasized that they are successfully tapping into alternative sources like Australia and the USA to maintain stability.
With seven tankers already arriving this month against a typical average of ten to eleven, authorities believe there is no immediate risk of a major supply crisis.
