The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved the direct procurement of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from four international suppliers, including Japan's JERA Global Markets Pte Ltd, to meet the country's energy demand.

The committee also approved a proposal to shorten the tender submission period for the purchase of 6,200 tonnes of dates for Ramadan 2027 and the direct procurement of services to install mobile network coverage at the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the meeting at the Secretariat.

The committee recommended policy approval for the direct purchase of LNG from JERA Global Markets Pte Ltd (JERAGM) of Japan under Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and Rule 99(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025.

The proposal also includes signing the finalised short-term LNG Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and term sheet between Petrobangla and JERAGM.

In separate proposals placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the committee also recommended policy approval for direct LNG procurement from ADNOC Trading Ltd of the United Arab Emirates, Ojimadu & Marites Oil Marketing Nigeria Ltd and Uzzy Gems Beehive under the same legal provisions.

In another decision, the committee recommended shortening the time allowed for preparing and submitting tenders for the purchase of 6,200 metric tonnes of dates through an international open tender for Ramadan 2027.

The Commerce Ministry placed the proposal under Rule 102(1)(a) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025, citing the government's urgent requirements.

The committee also approved the policy for using the direct procurement method to install mobile network coverage at the airport's third terminal under the project titled "Installation of Mobile Network at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Third Terminal".

The Posts and Telecommunications Division placed the proposal.