LNG imports from US jump 61pc
Bangladesh became the 17th-largest importer of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first half of 2026, with imports rising 61 per cent year-on-year as disruptions to its traditional Middle Eastern supplies intensified amid the conflict in the region.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Bangladesh imported 50.23 billion cubic feet (bcf) of US LNG during January-June, up from 31.27 bcf in the same period a year earlier.
The increase comes as disruptions to LNG shipments from the Middle East have added to Bangladesh’s already persistent gas supply problems.
Egypt was the largest importer of US LNG during the period, with 314.6 bcf, followed by the Netherlands, Italy, France and the UK. India ranked 10th among the top 20 importers, while Pakistan did not make the list.
US LNG exports averaged 17.4 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in the first six months of 2026, up 23 per cent from the same period a year earlier, the EIA said.
The agency expects US LNG exports to average 17.3 bcf/d in the second half of 2026 and rise to 18.7 bcf/d in the first half of 2027.
Middle East supply disruptions
Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on the Middle East, particularly Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, for LNG and fuel oil.
QatarEnergy has extended force majeure on LNG supplies to buyers in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Italy as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted because of security concerns, according to reports by Bloomberg and Reuters.
Bloomberg reported that QatarEnergy had notified Pakistani buyers that LNG cargo cancellations would continue into October, while the force majeure period for Bangladesh had been extended beyond September.
QatarEnergy first suspended LNG operations and declared force majeure on 4 March, amid the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, the US and Israel.
The prolonged disruption has increased Bangladesh’s need to source LNG from alternative suppliers, including the United States.
Gas shortages hit power, industry Bangladesh has meanwhile continued to face a severe gas shortage, disrupting power generation and industrial production.
The supply disruptions have highlighted the risks associated with the country’s reliance on imported LNG and the need to diversify supply sources while strengthening domestic energy security.
The rise in US LNG imports offers an alternative source of supply, but uncertainty remains over the timing and volume of cargoes from Bangladesh’s traditional Middle Eastern suppliers while shipping disruptions persist.
