Govt imports LNG from multiple sources: Adviser

Staff reporter :

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has said the interim government is importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from different international sources after comparing prices and assessing domestic demand, rather than relying on a single supplier.

“We verify the global market – America, Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore. It is not that easy to just give it to one country,” he told reporters on Tuesday after chairing meetings of the Economic Affairs and Government Procurement committees at the Secretariat.

On the visit of a US Trade Representative (USTR) delegation, he said the matter lies with the Commerce Ministry but acknowledged that efforts are underway to narrow the trade gap with the US by importing more goods. “The gap is still large, but compared to Vietnam’s $125 billion imbalance, our position is more comfortable,” he noted.

Salehuddin admitted that imports from the US may cost more, but argued quality justifies the expense. “For example, wheat from the US may be pricier, but its quality is better,” he said.
Turning to the broader economy, the adviser said tax collection is being strengthened by including tax lawyers in the Tax Representative Management System (TRMS).

He stressed this would not affect exports or inflation and noted that subsidised essential goods continue to be supplied through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). While inflation has stabilised somewhat, he added, irregularities in wholesale and retail markets remain a challenge.

On allegations of corruption in fertiliser procurement, Salehuddin said the matter is being investigated. “It is not like you just say something, and we take action immediately,” he said, pointing out that fertilisers are mainly procured by the Agriculture and Industries ministries.

He also clarified that the procurement committee does not discuss political matters, focusing only on economic issues.
At the day’s meetings, the government approved projects to set up power substations in remote areas and the procurement of LNG, MOP, and urea fertilisers.