Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said the government has initiated efforts to increase liquefied natural gas imports and supplies to address the country’s growing energy shortage. Speaking in the national parliament on Wednesday, he said discussions are underway with an interested institution to establish a floating LNG terminal in the deep sea near Kutubdia, Maheshkhali, in Cox’s Bazar.

The prime minister said LNG supply through the proposed terminal could begin by December 2028. If implemented, the project is expected to significantly raise LNG imports within the next two years and further improve the overall energy supply situation, according to the government head.

The government is also prioritising energy demand in the country’s southwest. Rahman said work is under way on proposals to urgently establish two additional floating LNG terminals in the areas of Payra and Mongla ports. He said the planned terminals are intended to meet southwestern energy needs and could improve national energy supplies while substantially reducing gas shortages.