Bangladesh has initiated negotiations with Indonesian state-owned energy giant Pertamina, Japan's JERA, and Korea Gas Corporation to secure liquefied natural gas deliveries ahead of year-end, according to trading sources familiar with the matter.

The move comes as the near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted supplies from Qatar, prompting Dhaka to seek up to 15 LNG cargoes by December to bridge the shortfall. Pertamina, JERA, and Korea Gas Corporation have not yet responded to requests for comment on the ongoing discussions.

The talks underscore Bangladesh's urgent need to diversify its energy sources amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have constrained shipments through the critical maritime chokepoint.