The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has granted approval in principle for the direct purchase—without open tendering—of 8 cargoes of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), 5,000 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and 200 electric buses. The decision aims to ensure emergency energy supplies and advance eco-friendly public transit across the country.
The approval was given during a CCEA meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat.
In light of volatile geopolitical conditions and emerging conflicts in the Middle East, four separate proposals were approved under Direct Procurement Method (DPM) for 8 cargoes of LNG to meet urgent domestic demand. Additionally, to stabilize the local market and fulfill emergency requirements, 5,000 tonnes of LPG will be procured directly from Speed Marketing Corporation (Speed Group).
Following a proposal from the Road Transport and Highways Division, the committee approved the direct purchase of 200 electric buses for the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC).
Dedicated Services for Women: The fleet of 200 buses will include designated buses specifically reserved for female passengers.
Infrastructure Development: Charging stations and necessary supporting infrastructure required to operate the electric fleet will also be constructed under the direct procurement framework.
Funding Request: To promote green public transport in Dhaka and other divisional cities, the Road Transport and Highways Division previously submitted a separate proposal to the Ministry of Finance seeking BDT 400 crore in government equity to fund 100 electric buses and 25 charging stations.
