Around 20 international firms yesterday submitted expressions of interest (EoI) to implement two new land-based liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.
The period to submit EoIs to set up LNG terminals at Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar and at Patuakhali’s Payra sea port expired yesterday.
“We got a major response from international firms.
“After scrutinising the EOIs and shortlisting promising firms, requests for proposal (RFP) and other relevant papers will be sought,” Md Quamruzzaman, director (PSC) of the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation, widely known as Petrobangla, told the Dhaka Tribune yesterday.
The purpose of setting up the terminals is to import LNG so that the country does not face a sudden supply shortfall.
Plans for the two new LNG terminals come despite the fact that the government has failed to set up a floating storage and re-gasification unit (FSRU) – a type of LNG terminal – in the five years since it was proposed.
The FSRU, which will be the first facility of its kind when it is built, was announced amid much fanfare.
Petrobangla, which is under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) – will implement the projects.
Since assuming office in 2009, the Awami League government has decided on a policy of importing LNG to feed the national grid by 500mmcfd.
The country’s current gas production is about 2,745mmcf per day against a demand of 3,300mmcfd.
