The government has initiated a direct purchase (DPM) process to procure coal for the RPCL-Norinco power plant in Patuakhali, aiming to start commercial operation quickly. Officials said the move seeks to bypass prolonged tender delays that have kept the 1,320-megawatt plant idle since its test run in April last year. The project, built with $2.54 billion including $1.77 billion in Chinese loans, faces repayment pressure from lenders as coal shortages prevent full operation.

Sector experts and senior Supreme Court lawyers have criticized the decision, calling it a violation of a High Court ruling that upheld a Singapore-based company’s right to supply coal after multiple tenders were canceled. They argue the government’s direct purchase plan exceeds its authority and could create long-term complications. The RPCL board has also approved emergency coal procurement from the EPC contractor consortium and plans to send a committee to Indonesia to identify potential mines.

Experts warn that bypassing competitive tenders and relying on EPC contractors for coal could increase project costs, deepen dependency on imports, and further delay stable power generation.