Iran Says Bangladesh LNG Ships Can Use Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi says Bangladesh-bound LNG, gas and fuel shipments can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without obstruction from Iran. The assurance comes as Bangladesh faces reduced LNG deliveries from Qatar, its biggest supplier, amid regional conflict, shipping disruption and damage to Qatar's LNG production capacity.
In a Nutshell
- Jahanabadi said Iran has no restriction on LNG, gas or fuel shipments to Bangladesh and has informed Dhaka that Bangladesh-bound ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
- He blamed US attacks and what he described as an American blockade against Iran for the wider disruption to regional energy trade.
- Qatar supplied 4.15 million tonnes of Bangladesh's nearly 7 million tonnes of LNG imports in 2025, making it Bangladesh's largest LNG supplier.
- QatarEnergy has cut its planned 2026 deliveries to Bangladesh by about half and has extended force majeure on supplies into November as shipping through Hormuz remains restricted.
- The supply shortfall is linked both to constraints on shipping through Hormuz and to damage to LNG production facilities at Qatar's Ras Laffan complex following Iranian attacks earlier this year.
- More than 110 billion cubic metres of LNG passed through Hormuz in 2025. About 93% of Qatar's LNG exports and 96% of the UAE's exports used the Strait, according to the International Energy Agency.
- Jahanabadi also said Iran has no objection to Bangladesh joining the Mecca Defence Alliance.
Context
Bangladesh relies heavily on imported LNG, and Qatar is its largest supplier. In 2025, Qatar supplied 4.15 million tonnes of Bangladesh's nearly 7 million tonnes of imported LNG. Bangladesh receives LNG under long-term contracts and through spot purchases, which means disruption in the Gulf affects both regular deliveries and efforts to find replacement cargoes.
The Strait of Hormuz is central to this trade. Almost all LNG exported from Qatar and the UAE moves through the Strait. The International Energy Agency says there is no alternative route that can transport Gulf LNG at a similar scale.
Iran's ambassador has now said Bangladesh-bound energy ships will not face difficulty from Iran's side in using Hormuz. That is important because it directly addresses Bangladesh's concern about access through the Strait. But Iran's assurance does not by itself solve the wider supply problem. QatarEnergy has reduced deliveries and extended force majeure into November as Hormuz traffic remains restricted. Qatar's LNG production has also been affected by damage at the Ras Laffan complex following Iranian attacks earlier this year.
Why It Matters
Iran's statement gives Bangladesh some reassurance that Tehran does not intend to obstruct Bangladesh-bound LNG, gas or fuel cargoes through Hormuz. However, safe passage is only one part of the problem. Bangladesh still depends on Qatar's ability to produce LNG, load cargoes and meet its contracts. Reduced Qatari output and restricted shipping mean Bangladesh can still receive fewer cargoes even if Iran allows its ships to pass.
This matters because Bangladesh is already facing a shortage of gas and electricity. Gas is the country's largest source of electricity generation, accounting for roughly half of installed power capacity in 2024. Delays or cuts in LNG supply reduce gas available for power plants and put further pressure on electricity supply.
Bangladesh can try to replace missing Qatari cargoes through spot purchases, but this is costly and difficult when Gulf supply is tight. The price figure in any final version should be checked against the latest Reuters or LNG market data before publication.
What We Think
Iran’s assurance is useful because it addresses the risk of Bangladesh-bound ships being obstructed in the Strait of Hormuz. But it cannot guarantee LNG supply when Qatar’s production is reduced and regional shipping remains disrupted. Bangladesh should therefore welcome Tehran’s position while focusing on securing reliable, affordable alternative supplies. The same applies to the Mecca Defence Alliance: Iran’s comfort matters, but Bangladesh’s own interests must decide the outcome.