Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
The Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt.) Limited (BIFPCL) has sought special approval from the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) to import the remaining 2.353 million tonnes of coal under CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) Incoterms, sources said.
The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power generation at the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (MSTPP) in Rampal, Bagerhat, ahead of periods of high electricity demand.
BIFPCL, a joint venture between Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and India's National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), currently operates two 660-megawatt power units at the plant.
According to internal documents, the facility contributed nearly 11.50 per cent of the country's total electricity demand in November 2025.
With Ramadan and the irrigation season approaching, the company has emphasised that maintaining adequate coal stocks is "nationally critical" to prevent power shortages during peak demand.
The request is linked to a 2023 agreement for the supply of 8.0 million tonnes of coal with a consortium comprising Bashundhara Multi Trading Ltd, Equentia Natural Resources and ATRO Pte Ltd.
So far, about 5.646 million tonnes have already been imported.
Under the contract, the supplier is responsible for safeguarding the coal supply chain against natural calamities, piracy and other artificial threats, and remains liable for delivery until the coal reaches the plant jetty.
In line with Bangladesh Bank instructions and the Import Policy Order 2021-2024, BIFPCL is seeking prior approval from the commerce ministry to import the remaining 2.35 million tonnes of coal under CIF (MSTPP/plant jetty) terms.
The original contract was signed for three years and includes a provision for a two-year extension.
By opening the required letters of credit (LCs) at this stage, BIFPCL aims to stabilise coal prices, which are currently influenced by international coal indices and vessel hire charges, ensuring long-term sustainability of the project, sources said.
A decision from the Ministry of Commerce is expected shortly, as the Power Division has already signalled the essential need for uninterrupted electricity generation in the coming months.
Last week, a commerce ministry official said the issue had been reviewed and forwarded to the relevant office for the next course of action.
rezamumu@gmai.com