RPGCL re-tenders to buy one more LNG cargo

State-run Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL) re-tendered to buy one more liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from international spot market for November 25-26 delivery window.

The volume of the spot LNG cargo is around 3.36 million British thermal unit (MMBtu).

This cargo is to be delivered to Moheshkhali Island, with an option to discharge it at either of the country's two floating storage re-gasification units (FSRUs) located on the island.

The RPGCL had floated tenders last week to buy three spot LNG cargoes, including in November 25-26 delivery window, but could not select a bidder for the later date as the suppliers quoted higher than expected price, said a senior RPGCL official.

Bangladesh's purchase of the total spot LNG cargoes for November delivery window would reach three given the success of the re-tender attempt.

It already procured one spot LNG cargo for December delivery window.

The country bought four spot LNG cargoes for October, three for September and five for  August delivery windows.

Bangladesh awarded its latest spot LNG cargo tender to Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd for December 26-27 delivery window at US$11.85 per million British thermal unit (MMBtu).

In addition to spot LNG cargoes, Bangladesh has been importing LNG from its two existing long-term suppliers -- QatarEnergy LNG (formerly Qatargas) and OQ Trading International -- for regasification at its two operational FSRUs.

The South Asian country also imports LNG under short term deal.

Bangladesh has been rationing gas supply to industries, power plants and other gas-guzzling consumers to cope with the mounting natural gas demand.

The country's overall natural gas output - local gas and imported LNG combined -- was around 2.827 Bcf/d (billion cubic feet per day) including 1.052 Bcf/d of re-gasified LNG, against the demand for over 4.0 Bcf/d, according to official data as on September 9.

Azizjst@yahoo.com