The government plans to import 11 liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes in May despite surging global prices as it seeks to ensure an adequate gas supply for power generation during the peak summer season.
Earlier, Bangladesh had considered scaling back May imports to nine cargoes from its original plan of 11 – the same as April levels – amid supply disruptions triggered by the US-Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the authorities have reversed the plan amid concerns that reduced imports would force cuts in gas supply to power plants and lead to load-shedding in the impending hot and humid month of May, when electricity demand could reach around 17,000MW.
Petrobangla officials said maintaining higher LNG imports was essential to sustain electricity generation from gas-fired power plants.
