n an effort to address the gas crisis impacting industries, Bangladesh’s interim government, through Petrobangla, has announced plans to invite international tenders for offshore gas exploration on 9 December and for onshore reserves in March of the following year.

Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker revealed the strategy at a seminar in Dhaka, highlighting the goal to enhance local gas production and decrease dependence on imported LNG, reported the Business Standard (TBS).

Zanendra expressed optimism that the initiative would draw more international energy companies to invest in Bangladesh, emulating Chevron‘s involvement in the local energy market.

He also mentioned that from 1 December, the government will permit LNG imports through open tenders, allowing any entity to import LNG from the spot market. Additionally, tenders for new floating LNG terminals will be issued next month.

Power and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan announced a December tender for transporting gas from a new discovery in Bhola to Dhaka.

While 70 million cubic feet of gas has been found in Bhola, it cannot be brought to Dhaka because there is no pipeline.

News Link: Bangladesh to launch offshore gas exploration tenders in December