Bangladesh Proposes Natural Gas Imports From Myanmar Via Pipeline

Bangladesh has formally proposed importing natural gas from neighboring Myanmar through a pipeline, seeking to bolster its energy security amid dwindling domestic production. The offer was presented by the Minister of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, during a meeting with Myanmar's Ambassador to Bangladesh, U Kyaw Soe Moe.

The proposal aims to revive a previous plan for a gas pipeline connecting Myanmar to Bangladesh's port city of Chattogram. Bangladesh is increasingly reliant on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet the demands of its power plants, industries, and consumers, as its own gas output continues to decline.

“

Bangladesh has substantial demand for natural gas and is particularly interested in securing supplies from Myanmar through a pipeline.

The Myanmar ambassador responded positively, suggesting that the countries could also explore the possibility of supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG). Both sides agreed to arrange a meeting between their respective energy ministers to further discuss and advance energy cooperation. The Bangladeshi minister expressed his readiness to formally invite his Myanmar counterpart to visit Bangladesh or to travel to Myanmar himself if needed.

Discussions also touched upon expanding long-term trade and energy cooperation, as well as exploring other areas of mutual interest. The Myanmar ambassador indicated that the matter could be reviewed through joint technical committee meetings. The proposal aligns with discussions about a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor, potentially enhancing regional connectivity.

“

the two countries could also discuss the possibility of supplying gas to Bangladesh in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).