Overview of Bangladesh Gas Pipeline Projects
Bangladesh is a gas-dependent economy where natural gas accounts for about 65% of primary energy use. However, transmission pipelines from eastern gas fields to western and southern demand centers are aged and capacity-limited, while LNG receiving-terminal connection pipelines are urgently needed. This article reviews the Gas Pipeline projects led by GTCL (Gas Transmission Company Limited) under Petrobangla and the participation opportunities for Korean companies.
3,800km
Total pipeline length
Current transmission network
1,200km
New construction
Plan for 2025~2030
$4.5B
Total investment
Pipeline expansion total
3,200 MMcf
Daily gas supply
Shortage vs demand
7M tons/year
LNG imports
2030 target
GTCL
Implementing agency
Under Petrobangla
Major Pipeline Projects
Major Gas Pipeline Projects in Bangladesh
| Project | Section | Length (km) | Diameter | Amount | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maheshkhali-Anowara | LNG terminal → Chattogram | 90 | 42 in. | $600M | ADB |
| Chattogram-Bakhrabad | Chattogram → Comilla | 185 | 30 in. | $800M | JICA |
| Bakhrabad-Demra | Comilla → Dhaka | 120 | 30 in. | $500M | WB |
| North-South | Habiganj → Bogra | 350 | 36 in. | $1.2B | ADB + GoB |
| Payra-Barishal | Payra LNG → Barishal | 100 | 24 in. | $300M | GoB |
| Moheshkhali-Chittagong2 | Second LNG connection | 95 | 42 in. | $700M | ADB |
Technical Specifications and Procurement Methods
Pipeline Technical Specifications
MaterialAPI 5L X70 (high-strength)
Coating3LPE (Triple-layer polyethylene)
Design pressure100bar (MAOP)
WeldingAUT (automated ultrasonic)
Procurement Approaches
ADB packagesICB international competitive bidding
JICA packagesSOTB (Japanese official development assistance)
WB packagesICB (World Bank standards)
GoB packagesNCB (domestic bidding)
01
Gas supply gap and pipeline bottlenecks
Bangladesh faces a daily gas demand of around 4,000 MMcf, while available supply is about 2,500 MMcf, creating a gap of 1,500 MMcf. LNG imports of 500 MMcf/day from the Maheshkhali FSRU cover part of this gap, but limited pipeline capacity from the LNG terminal to Dhaka creates a structural bottleneck. New pipeline construction of 1,200km aims to double transport capacity.
02
Maheshkhali-Anowara critical corridor
The 42-inch, 90km Maheshkhali LNG terminal-to-Chattogram pipeline, funded by ADB for $600M, is the core transport route for imported LNG. Because the route includes a 5km crossing of the Sandwip Channel, HDD offshore-installation technology is essential. This creates clear competitiveness for Korean HDD specialists.
03
Korean export opportunities
1) Steel pipe supply: high-strength API 5L X70, 42-inch, large-diameter piping. This fits major Korean pipemakers (for example, Korea Fashion C, Korea Motors Steel Pipe). 2) Pipe construction: Korean contractors with automated welding (AUT) and HDD know-how. 3) Valves and fittings: gate valves, ball valves, pig launchers. 4) Instrumentation and SCADA: systems for pipeline monitoring and control. 5) Cathodic protection: corrosion prevention technologies.
04
Risks and cautions
1) Land acquisition: delays in right-of-way (ROW) can trigger compensation disputes for farmland and housing areas. 2) Environmental: environmental impact assessments in river crossings and wetlands are mandatory and must meet ADB safeguards. 3) Safety: high-pressure pipeline construction and operations require compliance with API/ASME codes. 4) Payment: disbursement delays are possible in GoB domestic budget packages.
Project Implementation Timeline
2023
F/S and DPP approval
→↓
2024
Loan signing and tendering
→↓
2025
Pipe procurement and groundbreaking
→↓
2026~27
Construction and welding works
→↓
2028
Commissioning
→↓
2029~30
Commercial operation of full network
Coastal Embankment Improvement Phase-IICoastal infrastructure rehabilitation project
Chattogram Metropolitan SewerageChattogram urban infrastructure project
The Bangladesh Gas Pipeline initiative is a large-scale $4.5 billion energy infrastructure project. As LNG imports are scaled up and domestic gas transport is expanded, 1,200km of new transmission lines is planned. Korean firms can leverage strengths in large-diameter pipe supply, HDD trenchless construction, and SCADA systems. An entry strategy anchored in ADB ICB packages is likely to be the most effective path.
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