Dhaka, August 19, 2026: Bangladesh’s gas crisis is set to worsen as an FSRU operated by US-based Excelerate Energy has once again suspended operations, this time due to a shortage of LNG supplies.
The floating LNG terminal was shut down completely on Wednesday afternoon after LNG supplies were reduced over the past three days, according to sources at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.
The shutdown followed the failure of an LNG cargo scheduled to arrive on August 17. The cargo was among four LNG shipments ordered by the state-run Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL) under the Direct Procurement Method (DPM), outside the regular tender process.
With the scheduled cargo failing to arrive, Excelerate Energy gradually reduced gas supplies from its FSRU before suspending operations completely on Wednesday. The terminal is expected to remain shut until another LNG cargo arrives.
An LNG cargo from TotalEnergies is scheduled to arrive on Thursday. However, the shipment is expected to be unloaded at the FSRU operated by Summit Group. The next cargo may arrive around August 23, raising concerns that Excelerate’s terminal could remain out of operation until then.
If the shutdown continues, national gas supply could fall from around 2,700 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to nearly 2,100 MMCFD, according to energy-sector sources.
Bangladesh has already been struggling with severe gas shortages following damage to an FSRU in a fire on July 21. Gas supplies had subsequently fallen to around 2,000 MMCFD, triggering widespread shortages across the country.
Partial supply resumed on August 6, providing some relief. However, the situation deteriorated again on August 13 when supplies from Summit Group’s FSRU were suspended amid an LNG shortage.
While rough sea conditions were initially cited as the reason for the Summit terminal shutdown, subsequent developments pointed to another issue. Excelerate reportedly refused to unload an LNG cargo sent by Saudi Aramco at Summit’s floating terminal, describing the vessel as old and potentially risky. The cargo was subsequently returned.
The latest disruption comes at a time when both imported and domestic gas supplies are under pressure.
According to Petrobangla data, Bangladesh received only 561 MMCFD of imported LNG on August 19, while domestic gas production stood at 1,624 MMCFD. Domestic production had averaged around 1,656 MMCFD in July.
The declining domestic output and unpredictable LNG imports have intensified the country’s gas shortage, affecting industries, power plants and other consumers. Reports of supply disruptions are also emerging from residential areas, adding to concerns over the immediate outlook for the country’s energy security.
