BD eyes up to 90,000T US LPG imports monthly

Bangladesh is planning to import liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States under a proposed state-to-state arrangement, with initial imports expected to reach 45,000 tonnes per month and potentially double in the future, according to officials. 

To advance discussions on the initiative, a delegation from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, led by State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, is scheduled to leave Dhaka on June 6 for the United States. The delegation is expected to return on June 12 following a week-long visit focused on energy cooperation.

Officials said the proposed arrangement would involve imports through state-owned LP Gas Limited, which would supply LPG to local distributors and operators across the country.

"Initially, we plan to import 45,000 tonnes of LPG per month, which could later be increased to 90,000 tonnes," Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam told reporters.

He said 18 local distribution companies had already expressed interest in purchasing LPG from the state-owned company once imports begin.

According to the EMRD secretary, the government plans to invite price quotations from selected US suppliers and procure LPG at competitive rates for distribution in the domestic market.

"The proposal is still at a preliminary stage. More details will be finalised after discussions with the US State Department during our upcoming visit," he said.