Bangladesh to get first LNG cargo from Qatar in 2018

Bangladesh is expected to receive the first cargo shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar in the second quarter of 2018, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Qatar HE Ashud Ahmed has said.

"Once the under construction floating storage and re gasification unit (FSRU) is complete in April next year, we will be ready to receive the first shipment of LNG from Qatar," HE Ahmed told Qatar Tribune.

The construction works for two FSRU having 7.5 million tonnes LNG per year is going on along with land-based LNG terminals aimed at reducing demand and supply gap, and the Bangladesh government has also undertaken initiative to construct LNG based power plant alongside importing small scale LNG.

According to the envoy, the shipment will be a part of the 15 years sales and purchase agreement (SPA) signed between Petrobangla and RasGas for supply of 2.5 million tonnes of LNG per annum to meet Bangladesh's growing energy demand.

"Bangladesh has become the newest customer to Qatar's list of countries importing LNG," HE Ahmed said.

Talking about the agreement, HE Ahmed said,"The LNG deal between the two countries is a major milestone and reflects our long- standing relations with Qatar. As an energy supplier, Qatar's track record is impeccable as a consistent supplier and despite the blockade, the country has not missed a single delivery."

The envoy further said uninterrupted energy supply is vital for the economic development of Bangladesh and the demand for eco-friendly fuel is on the rise. He said Qatar has assured Bangladesh of uninterrupted supplies of LNG irrespective of circumstances, which speaks volumes of Qatar's credibility as a reliable source of energy."

Giving details about the FSRU, HE Ahmed said Qatar has also expressed interest in setting up more FSRU gas terminals to facilitate the unloading of LNG."The government is yet to respond to Qatar's interest on investing in the FSRUs," HE Ahmed added.

Source: Qatar Tribune