Bangladesh : Clearing Outstanding Energy Payments and Attracting Foreign Investors

Bangladesh has recently taken a significant step to address its energy sector’s financial challenges by announcing a plan to pay approximately $960 million per month starting from July. This move aims to clear outstanding payments owed to LNG suppliers, international oil companies (IOCs), and local and foreign power plant owners.

The decision came after a directive from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies and attracting foreign investment to boost the country’s energy sector.

The Urgency to Clear Debt

Bangladesh’s energy sector heavily relies on natural gas, and any disruptions in supplies could have severe consequences for industries and daily life. To avoid such disruptions, state-run Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker emphasized the importance of clearing debt to LNG suppliers and IOCs. This step is crucial to ensure a continuous and stable supply of natural gas to meet the nation’s energy demands.

Allocation of Payments

Out of the total amount paid each month, $160 million will be allocated to the Power Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources (MPEMR).

This allocation aims to clear debts with power plant owners, ensuring a smooth relationship between the government and the private sector in the energy domain.

Additionally, $80 million will be set aside for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) to make payments to LNG suppliers and IOCs, further stabilizing the energy supply chain.

Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Request

To maintain an uninterrupted electricity supply, the MPEMR’s Power Division has requested approximately $5.921 billion for the fiscal year 2023-24.

This budget request highlights the government’s commitment to meet energy demands, power economic growth, and support industries and households across the country.

Navigating Financial Challenges

Bangladesh’s efforts to settle energy bills are driven, in part, by the upcoming general election in January 2024. The government aims to ensure a stable energy sector to avoid disruptions that could affect voters and the overall political climate.

To support these efforts, Petrobangla is in discussions to borrow around $500 million from the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation.

Addressing Outstanding Payments

As of June, the government owed approximately $2.4 billion to private independent power producers, $475 million for electricity imports from India, $350 million to gas companies, and $320 million to LNG suppliers.

The current initiative to clear these outstanding payments demonstrates the government’s determination to prioritize the energy sector’s financial stability.

Attracting Foreign Investors

To further bolster the energy sector, Bangladesh is actively seeking foreign investment. The cabinet committee on economic affairs recently approved the country’s first-ever Brent crude-linked model production sharing contract.

This innovative contract model offers enhanced output shares to investors and allows companies to export natural gas after meeting domestic demand. Additionally, the hydrocarbon price in the model contract is linked to the same benchmark used to purchase LNG.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s decision to clear outstanding energy payments and attract foreign investors reflects its determination to secure a stable and sustainable energy future.

By prioritizing debt clearance and implementing innovative contracts, the country aims to maintain uninterrupted energy supplies and foster economic growth. As Bangladesh moves forward in its journey towards energy security, it is poised to create a more vibrant and prosperous future for its citizens.

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