The government has approved the procurement of two LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) cargoes to help meet the country’s growing energy demand.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, held Tuesday at the Secretariat.

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed chaired the meeting and later briefed reporters.

He said the committee approved several proposals, including those for purchasing LNG and fertilizer.

According to proposals submitted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla will buy one LNG cargo from M/S Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd through an international quotation process at a cost of around Tk 502.94 crore.

The price per MMBtu (million British thermal units) will be $11.97.

A second cargo will be procured from M/S Posco International Corporation of South Korea for Tk 486.42 crore, with per MMBtu cost at $11.95.

In addition to LNG, the committee also approved procurement proposals from the Ministry of Shipping (two proposals) and one each from the Bridges Division, Local Government Division, and ICT Division.

Responding to a question about Bangladesh’s trade imbalance with the United States, the Finance Adviser said the government plans to increase imports from the US to help reduce the trade gap and lower tariff rates.

“There will be more. The Commerce Adviser has gone to the US with a package. Let’s see what happens,” he added.

However, when asked about the possibility of purchasing military equipment such as fighter jets from the US, Dr. Salehuddin declined to comment, saying, “No, I will not say anything regarding the matter right now.”