State-owned Petrobangla has extended the deadline for prospective bidders to submit expressions of interest (EoI) to implement two new land-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals at Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar and at Payra sea port in Patuakhali.
The plan for two new LNG terminals comes despite the fact that the government is yet to set up the country’s first ever floating storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU) – better known as an LNG terminal – in the five years since the plan was originally hatched.
“Several companies have sought an extension to submit their bid documents. We have taken these requests into consideration,” Chairman Istiaque Ahmad of the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation, widely known as Petrobangla, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
All the other terms and conditions of the EoI notice will remain unchanged, he added.
The February 15 deadline has been extended to February 29.
After receiving the EOIs, Petrobangla will short-list promising firms and ask them to submit request for proposal (RFP) documents and other relevant papers.
Petrobangla, which is under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) – will implement the projects.
After assuming office in 2009, the Awami League government has decided to import LNG to feed the national grid by 500mmcfd from 2013.
The country’s current gas production is about 2,745mmcf per day against a demand of 3,300mmcfd.
