Bangladesh’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) re-gasification has reached almost saturation, with output rising to about 1,053 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) through its two floating storage and re-gasification units (FSRUs), officials said.

The current utilization rate stands at 95.7 percent, close to the country’s maximum capacity of 1,100 mmcfd. Excelerate Energy’s FSRU can process 600 mmcfd, while Summit Group’s unit handles 500 mmcfd, according to Petrobangla.

To run both facilities at full tilt, Bangladesh would need to import 115 LNG cargoes annually. Petrobangla plans to bring in 108 shipments in 2025, the highest in a single year, with seven additional cargoes under consideration to meet the needs of state-run fertiliser plants.

The state energy firm has sought a 150 percent gas tariff hike—from Tk16 to Tk40 per cubic meter—to cover the cost of higher LNG imports.

Imports hit a record 11 cargoes in August, with QatarEnergy and Oman’s OQ Trading supplying five under long-term deals. OQ Trading also delivered one under a new short-term contract, while five came from the spot market. An additional 10 cargoes are scheduled to arrive in September.

Petrobangla data show total gas supply at 2,835 mmcfd, including 1,053 mmcfd from LNG. Officials said the increase has eased shortages in the industry after the government approved extra imports in June.