Amid escalating tensions following Israeli–US strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory actions targeting Israel and US installations in the Middle East, concerns have emerged about potential energy supply disruptions for Bangladesh, similar to other Asian countries.
However, officials at Petrobangla have confirmed that Bangladesh is scheduled to receive nine LNG cargoes in March, of which four have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Petrobangla sources, the four cargoes are expected to arrive on March 3, 5, 9, and 11.
The four LNG cargoes that have crossed the Strait of Hormuz are sufficient to maintain gas supply for approximately 12 to 15 days.
In total, Bangladesh plans to import nine LNG cargoes in March:
• Six cargoes from Qatar
• Two cargoes from Australia
• One additional cargo from other sources
A senior official from Petrobangla’s relevant desk confirmed the shipment schedule.
Engineer Rafiqul Islam, Director (Operations & Mines) at Petrobangla, stated that, based on the latest information, four cargoes have already crossed the Strait of Hormuz. He further noted that the plan is to import:
• 9 cargoes in March
• 11 cargoes in April
• 11 cargoes in May
Of these, 19 cargoes are expected to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Each LNG cargo contains approximately 3,000 million cubic feet (MMcf) of gas, which is slightly less than Bangladesh’s daily gas demand. Domestic production currently supplies around 1,714 MMcf per day, while LNG imports add 800 to 1,000 MMcf per day. The two Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) located at Maheshkhali have a maximum regasification capacity of 1,100 MMcf per day.
LNG shipments from Qatar and Oman typically require 9 to 13 days to reach Bangladesh via the Strait of Hormuz.
Even LNG imported from the United States and Angola generally passes through the Panama Canal and then transits the Strait of Hormuz before arriving in Bangladesh, taking around 25 days in total.
An alternative route via Mumbai, India, is considered more time-consuming and costly.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically vital maritime chokepoints. Nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade passes through this narrow waterway. Oil exports from Iran’s major terminal at Kharg Island also transit this route.
If the Iran crisis intensifies or persists, there are fears that vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted, potentially destabilizing global energy markets.
Meanwhile, Engineer Rezanur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), stated that fuel oil import contracts are typically signed for six-month terms. Bangladesh’s fuel oil supply is secured until June.
He added that upcoming shipments will originate from China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, routes that are not expected to be affected by the Iran crisis.
In response to the evolving Middle East situation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held discussions today with the foreign minister, energy minister, and several advisers. He instructed them to take necessary preparations to ensure that Bangladesh does not face an energy crisis due to the ongoing conflict.
Officials maintain that, despite global uncertainties, the country’s short-term LNG and fuel oil supply remains on track.
