Published : 08 Sep 2026, 03:47 AM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM
The United States has called for a “transparent and competitive” process for setting up floating LNG terminals -- officially known as Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) -- in Bangladesh amid a severe gas shortage.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has assured American companies that they will be given “the highest priority”.
The US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent Christensen said if the process of setting up FSRUs remains transparent and competitive, it will further strengthen the foreign investors' confidence while making American firms "highly interested" in working in Bangladesh.
In response to these remarks, Muktadir said: "If American companies can demonstrate the capability to construct FSRUs in the shortest possible timeframe, their proposals will receive top priority.
“Presenting an effective LNG supply plan within a short timeline will further solidify their position."
The discussions took place during a meeting between the minister and the ambassador on Monday at the office of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) in Dhaka, according to a media statement issued by the commerce ministry.
During the meeting, Christensen noted that maintaining a transparent and competitive environment in major infrastructure initiatives would bolster foreign investors' trust.
Asserting that US companies are eager to operate in Bangladesh, he emphasised the need to ensure open competition.
FSRUs receive and store liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported by sea, regasify it, and feed it into the national grid via pipelines.
Bangladesh currently has two floating LNG terminals operational off the coast of Moheshkhali -- one operated by Excelerate Energy and the other by Summit LNG Terminal -- with daily gas supply capacities of 600 million and 500 million cubic feet, respectively.
