Dhaka turns to Qatar to ease energy crisis
Bangladesh has turned to Qatar for stronger energy cooperation as a worsening gas shortage, declining domestic production and uncertainty over LNG supplies threaten power generation, industry and households, while disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to unsettle global energy markets.
The urgency of the situation was reflected in Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s meetings with Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi and Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari in Doha on Wednesday, where energy security, LNG supplies and financial cooperation featured prominently.
The two countries agreed to establish joint working groups to follow up on the issues discussed and advance mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy and financial sectors, according to Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry.
Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and senior officials attended the meetings.
Dr Rahman also invited both Qatari ministers to visit Bangladesh at their convenience.
LNG dependence heightens energy concerns
The discussions come at a critical time for Bangladesh, which remains heavily dependent on imported LNG even as domestic gas production continues to decline.
A disruption at an LNG terminal in Maheshkhali in July sharply reduced supplies to the national grid, affecting power generation, industries, transport and households. Although the damaged terminal partially resumed operations earlier this month, supply constraints have persisted.
On 12 August, combined output from Bangladesh’s two floating LNG terminals reportedly fell to around 410 million cubic feet per day, compared with their combined regasification capacity of about 1,100 million cubic feet.
The country’s energy difficulties have been further complicated by disruptions to Qatar’s LNG exports following the conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on deliveries to several Asian buyers, including Bangladesh, forcing Dhaka to explore alternative supplies through spot purchases and government-to-government arrangements.
According to S&P Global, Qatar supplied around 60 per cent of Bangladesh’s LNG import requirements in 2025, highlighting Doha’s importance to the country’s energy security.
QatarEnergy was scheduled to supply around 40 LNG cargoes to Bangladesh in 2026. Petrobangla, however, has said roughly half of those planned deliveries could be affected.
Against this backdrop, the Bangladesh-Qatar talks could provide a platform for closer coordination over LNG supplies and longer-term energy security. The immediate availability of Qatari cargoes, however, remains dependent on the wider regional security situation.
QatarEnergy has meanwhile sought to maintain supplies to key Asian customers by purchasing US LNG cargoes to offset disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Focus on labour cooperation
Dr Rahman separately met Qatar’s Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, with the two sides discussing labour cooperation, workers’ welfare and protection, and opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Qatar.
Dhaka placed particular emphasis on expanding employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers.
Dr Al Marri praised the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Qatar’s economy and development, while both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in labour and manpower.
The discussions are significant for Bangladesh, where remittances from migrant workers remain a major source of foreign exchange. Qatar, meanwhile, relies on Bangladeshi workers across construction, services and other sectors.
The talks also signal Dhaka’s interest in moving beyond a predominantly low-skilled migration model by expanding opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Broader economic engagement
The foreign minister also met Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi to discuss issues of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen bilateral relations. Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir attended the meeting.
The separate meeting with Qatar’s finance minister broadened the scope of the visit, with the two sides examining financial cooperation alongside energy and labour issues.
The proposed joint working groups are expected to provide an institutional mechanism for following up on agreements and proposals arising from the ministerial discussions.
Dr Rahman is leading a high-level Bangladesh delegation during his two-day official visit to Doha at a time when Dhaka is seeking stronger economic partnerships and greater protection for its energy security amid disruptions to global energy and shipping routes.
For Bangladesh, the Qatar engagement therefore extends beyond traditional diplomatic ties. It brings together three immediate national priorities – securing energy supplies, protecting and expanding overseas employment, and deepening financial and economic cooperation with a key Gulf partner.
