Bangladesh has significantly increased its purchases of expensive spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) after three key suppliers suspended contracted deliveries by invoking force majeure amid the recent Middle East conflict.
According to energy sector sources, QatarEnergy, OQ Trading International of Oman and Excelerate Energy of the United States have temporarily halted LNG shipments under five sales and purchase agreements (SPAs), citing disruptions linked to the Iran-Israel conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.
The suppliers have reportedly extended their force majeure notices through mid-July, forcing state-owned Petrobangla to rely heavily on the volatile spot market to maintain domestic gas supplies.
Officials said Bangladesh has purchased 33 spot LNG cargoes so far in 2026, including 31 cargoes after the Middle East conflict began, with a record seven spot cargoes imported in each of April, May, June and July.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has urged the suppliers to withdraw the force majeure declarations as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz gradually returns to normal.
