Bangladesh seeks natural gas imports from Myanmar through pipeline
The proposal was made by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe at the minister’s Secretariat office today. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE DAILY STAR
August 3, 2026
DHAKA – Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from neighbouring Myanmar through a pipeline as it seeks to revive bilateral energy cooperation amid mounting pressure on domestic supplies.
The proposal was made by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe at the minister’s Secretariat office today.
Bangladesh is also interested in reviving an earlier proposal to build a gas pipeline from Myanmar to Chattogram, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.
During the meeting, the minister said Bangladesh has substantial demand for natural gas and is particularly interested in securing supplies from Myanmar through a pipeline.
Responding positively to the proposal, the Myanmar ambassador said the two countries could also discuss the possibility of supplying gas to Bangladesh in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The two sides also discussed arranging a meeting between their respective ministers to advance energy cooperation. Mahmood said he would formally invite Myanmar’s energy minister to visit Bangladesh and was prepared to travel to Myanmar if necessary.
The proposal comes as Bangladesh’s domestic gas production continues to decline, making the country increasingly dependent on imported LNG to meet demands from power plants, industries and other consumers.
Referring to the proposal for a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh economic corridor during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China, the minister said a pipeline linking Bangladesh and Myanmar could support such regional connectivity.
The two countries also discussed expanding long-term trade and energy cooperation and exploring other areas of mutual interest.
The Myanmar ambassador suggested that the matter could be reviewed through meetings of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee.
State Minister for Power and Energy Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam and Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh were also present at the meeting.