Govt secures diesel, LNG supplies

The government has approved a proposal to import 100,000 tonnes of refined diesel at $75.06 per barrel along with two cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet urgent energy needs amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The decision was taken at a virtual meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase on Sunday, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. Confirming the development, Finance Ministry Public Relations Officer Md Siraj-Ud-Doula Khan said the committee had given approval to the procurement plan in order to ensure a stable energy supply during the current regional uncertainty.

Under the approved proposal, 100,000 tonnes of high-speed diesel (HSD), also known as automotive gas oil, will be imported from Kazakhstan’s Kazakh Gas Processing Plant LLP through direct procurement at a price of $75.06 per barrel.

The committee also approved the import of two LNG cargoes from Singapore-based Aramco Trading Singapore Pte Ltd to support the country’s gas supply and power generation requirements.

Officials said the move is part of the government’s broader effort to secure energy supplies and maintain stability in the domestic fuel market at a time of rising global energy uncertainty linked to the Middle East conflict.

Siraj-Ud-Doula Khan added that two earlier proposals involving the import of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of diesel and petrol from Kazakhstan, Dubai and Oman had received initial clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs but were not approved by the purchase committee.

The earlier proposals included importing one million tonnes of diesel and petrol from Dubai, an additional 400,000 tonnes of diesel from Kazakhstan, and 100,000 tonnes of diesel from Oman.

Officials said the revised procurement plan reflects a more cautious and targeted approach to fuel imports, focusing on immediate supply requirements while reviewing larger procurement proposals in light of global market volatility.

Energy sector observers note that securing diesel and LNG supplies has become increasingly important as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global fuel markets and supply chains.

The latest approval is expected to help stabilise domestic fuel availability and ensure uninterrupted power generation and industrial operations in the coming months.