Qatar has agreed to renew its expired memorandum of understanding (MoU) for LNG supply to Bangladesh and collaborate on a proposed onshore terminal, reinforcing long-term energy cooperation.
During a meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha on Tuesday, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi expressed commitment to deepening energy ties between the two nations.
“We are ready to immediately sign the MoU and will continue offering our fullest cooperation to Bangladesh,” said Minister Kaabi, adding that Qatar plans to double its LNG production capacity, potentially lowering global prices.
The renewed MoU will replace the earlier agreement that expired in January, under which Bangladesh imported 1.5–2.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from Qatar since a 15-year sales and purchase agreement (SPA) signed in 2017. In 2023, a second SPA was signed to supply an additional 1.5 million tonnes annually from January 2026.
Chief Adviser Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s interest in exploring its energy potential with Qatar’s support. “We seek assistance to restructure our energy sector,” he stated.
Adviser Muhammad Fawzul Kabir Khan noted Bangladesh’s plan to build a land-based LNG terminal in Matarbari, Cox’s Bazar, along with a pipeline network to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.
Currently, Bangladesh’s floating terminals handle up to 115 LNG cargoes annually, with future plans to increase this number, particularly from Qatar.
Additionally, Minister Kaabi expressed Qatar’s intention to expand urea fertilizer supplies to Bangladesh.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, National Security Advisor Khilur Rahman, BIDA Chairman Ashiq Mahmood, SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed, and Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam.
LND/BG
