Bangladesh has committed to importing over $15 billion worth of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the United States over the next 15 years, starting in 2026.  

After years of volatile price fluctuations on the global spot market, this historic agreement provides the country with long-term energy stability at fixed prices. 

The graphics above show the rollercoaster ride of U.S. LNG and coal shipments to Bangladesh from 2019, and the dramatic surge expected in the next 1–3 years as the $15 billion pact kicks in.

The data comes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).  

TL;DR

• Bangladesh’s $15B, 15-year U.S. LNG deal begins in 2026, stabilizing supplies at fixed prices and ending spot market volatility.
• Long-term contracts rose 54% in 2026 to 115 cargoes from the U.S., Qatar, and Oman, driven by power and industrial demand.
• The pact enables a $2.8B Boeing aircraft order, reduces U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi textile exports to 19%, and enhances trade diversification.

Ending the “Spot Market” Rollercoaster

From 2019 to 2024, Bangladesh faced significant volatility in the global spot LNG market, with sudden price increases often disrupting supply plans.

Recall that the 2022 Russia-Ukraine war caused prices to spike, leading Bangladesh to reduce imports during the most difficult months.

U.S. LNG shipments to Bangladesh reflected this instability, according to data the EIA.

Volumes grew from 3,419 million cubic feet in 2019 to 37,734 in 2021, then decreased to 12,663 in 2022, and rose again to 40,175 in 2024.

The market volatility began to decline in 2025, as LNG imports increased from 5.83 million tonnes in 2024 to 7.15 million tonnes, supported by lower cargo prices and the start of long-term contracts.

The new $15 billion U.S. energy agreement and expanded Qatar deals now provide Bangladesh with stable supplies for the next 15 years. 

This shift reduces the country’s reliance on unpredictable spot market prices.

The 115-Cargo Milestone

In 2026, Bangladesh is expected to import a record 115 LNG cargoes, averaging about one every three days.

Hellenic Shipping News reports this represents the highest annual volume in Bangladesh’s history, driven by increasing demand from power plants and industries.

Long-term contracts will increase by 54%, totaling 86 cargoes, up from 56 in 2025. 

This includes three 15-year deals with QatarEnergy, OQ Trading (Oman), and Excelerate Energy (U.S.), which will supply 30 cargoes at fixed prices, ensuring stable supply.

The remaining 29 cargoes will come from short-term and spot markets. 

Don’t forget the Boeing Connection

The $15 billion U.S. energy agreement served as the foundation for a landmark reciprocal trade deal signed on February 9, 2026.

This agreement allowed state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines to commit to purchasing 14 new Boeing aircraft, valued at approximately $2.8 billion (Tk 30,000–35,000 crore).

This development signifies Bangladesh’s move away from European Airbus jets and a reduced dependence on Qatar and other regional LNG suppliers. 

Reuters reports that this switch also helped Dhaka secure a reduced 19% U.S. tariff on its garment exports and zero-duty access for products made with American cotton and fibres.

ELI5

Bangladesh has a major deal with the U.S. to buy $15 billion worth of natural gas, starting in 2026. 

This deal will ensure Bangladesh always has gas at fixed prices, so they won’t have to worry about prices rising and falling.

As a result, Bangladesh also bought more gas from countries such as Qatar and Oman, mainly to power industries and homes. But their deal with the U.S. opens new doors of economic freedom, shifting their attention away from regional deals. 

The deal also helps Bangladesh gain many other benefits, such as ordering passenger aircraft from Boeing and paying lower taxes on clothes they sell to the U.S.

Sources:

EIA, TBS News, Hellenic Shipping News, The Daily Star, Reuters