Bangladesh Approves Nine LNG Cargoes from Trafigura and 237,000 Tonnes of Fertiliser Imports

Summary

Bangladesh’s Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase has approved the purchase of nine LNG cargoes from Trafigura for delivery between December 2026 and December 2027, priced at 10 cents per MMBtu below the JKM benchmark. The committee also cleared 237,000 tonnes of urea, DAP and MoP fertiliser imports from four countries, costing over Tk 1,000 crore.

Article

Dhaka: Bangladesh has approved the import of nine liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes and 237,000 tonnes of fertiliser, following a decision by the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on October 13, 2026.

What are the LNG deal terms?

Singapore-headquartered commodities and logistics company Trafigura Pte will supply the nine LNG cargoes between December 2026 and December 2027.

Each cargo will be priced at 10 cents per million British thermal units (MMBtu) below the Japan Korea Marker (JKM), the benchmark spot price for LNG delivered to Northeast Asia.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division submitted the proposal, recommending Trafigura as supplier. According to The Daily Star, the deal will be on a government-to-government basis, and the number of cargoes can be raised or reduced with the consent of both sides. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had earlier approved the direct purchase of LNG.

What fertiliser imports were approved?

The CCGP approved the import of 237,000 tonnes of fertiliser from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Canada, at a total cost of over Tk 1,000 crore. The imports will be handled by the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).

The volume comprises 82,000 tonnes of urea, 40,000 tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and the remainder, about 115,000 tonnes, of muriate of potash (MoP) (calculated from the reported totals).

Were there other approvals?

The committee also approved a commerce ministry proposal to buy 10,000 tonnes of sugar from Meghna Sugar Refinery Ltd in two lots, at a cost of over Tk 100 crore.

Why does it matter?

Bangladesh relies heavily on imported LNG to supplement declining domestic gas production for power generation, fertiliser manufacturing and industry. Pricing the Trafigura cargoes at a discount to JKM ties costs to the regional spot benchmark while securing supply through the 2026-27 winter and beyond. The flexibility to adjust cargo numbers gives the government room to respond to demand and price movements.

Fertiliser imports are critical for Bangladesh’s agriculture, particularly ahead of the main dry-season crop. Sourcing from four countries spreads supply risk across the Middle East, Russia and North America.

For shipping, the approvals translate into steady demand for LNG carrier calls and dry bulk fertiliser shipments into Bangladesh over the coming year, adding to cargo flows through the country’s import terminals and ports.

FAQs

How many LNG cargoes has Bangladesh approved?

Nine LNG cargoes, to be supplied by Trafigura between December 2026 and December 2027.

How will the LNG be priced?

Each cargo will be priced at 10 cents per MMBtu below the Japan Korea Marker (JKM).

How much fertiliser will Bangladesh import?

237,000 tonnes, including 82,000 tonnes of urea, 40,000 tonnes of DAP and the rest MoP.

Which countries will supply the fertiliser?

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Canada.

What else did the committee approve?

The purchase of 10,000 tonnes of sugar from Meghna Sugar Refinery Ltd at a cost of over Tk 100 crore.