B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt.) Limited (BIFPCL) has applied for special permission from the Ministry of Commerce to import the remaining 2.353 million tonnes of coal under CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) terms, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The initiative is intended to ensure smooth electricity production at the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (MSTPP) in Rampal, Bagerhat, particularly ahead of the upcoming peak demand periods.

BIFPCL, a joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), operates two power units of 660 megawatts each at the facility.

Internal records show that the plant accounted for nearly 11.50 per cent of the nation’s total power supply in November 2025.

With Ramadan and the irrigation season drawing near, the company has highlighted the importance of maintaining sufficient coal reserves to avoid potential power disruptions during times of high consumption.

The request stems from a 2023 coal supply agreement involving a consortium of Bashundhara Multi Trading Ltd, Equentia Natural Resources and ATRO Pte Ltd, under which a total of 8.0 million tonnes of coal were scheduled for delivery.

To date, approximately 5.646 million tonnes have already been brought into the country.

As per the contract, the suppliers bear responsibility for protecting the coal shipment against risks such as natural disasters, piracy and other threats, remaining accountable until the cargo reaches the power plant’s jetty.

Following Bangladesh Bank guidelines and the Import Policy Order 2021–2024, BIFPCL has sought advance approval from the commerce ministry to import the remaining coal volume under CIF terms at the MSTPP jetty.

The agreement, initially signed for three years, includes an option to extend for an additional two years.

Sources said the early opening of letters of credit is aimed at managing price volatility linked to global coal markets and shipping costs, helping secure the project’s long-term operational stability.

Officials indicated that a decision from the Ministry of Commerce is likely soon, as the Power Division has already stressed the necessity of uninterrupted power generation in the coming months.

A commerce ministry official said last week that the proposal had been reviewed and sent to the concerned office for further action.