Algeria emerges as potential alternative source of LNG

Algeria's Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab held a videoconference meeting today (10 September) with Bangladesh's Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, where they discussed ways on exploring mechanisms and arrangements for supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi side expressed interest in entering into LNG purchase and supply agreements with Algeria, considering their state-owned giant Sonatrach's position as a reliable and strategic supplier in the international gas market, said the Algerian Embassy in Dhaka.

The meeting was attended by Noureddine Daoudi, President and CEO of Sonatrach Group, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Algeria, the CEOs of Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Resources Corporation (Petrobangla), Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), and Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), along with officials from both countries.

According to Algeria's Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the two sides discussed ways to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the hydrocarbons and energy sectors.

The two sides also reviewed opportunities for establishing partnerships between Sonatrach and Bangladeshi companies operating in the energy sector.

The objective is to support Bangladesh's growing energy demand and ensure a stable supply of LNG, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other petroleum products.

They explored possibilities for cooperation in developing the necessary energy infrastructure related to LNG and other petroleum products.

Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the agreed areas of cooperation and moving towards concrete agreements through the formation of a Joint Working Group.

The group will follow up on various related matters and facilitate stronger economic and energy cooperation between Bangladesh and Algeria.