Latest news with #Ramadhan
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
OQ Trading expands LNG supply role in Bangladesh
MUSCAT: OQ Trading International, the energy trading arm of Oman's OQ Group, has strengthened its position in Bangladesh's energy market with the signing of the country's first-ever short-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement. The landmark deal marks a strategic shift in Bangladesh's LNG sourcing approach, aimed at ensuring greater energy security and reducing exposure to the volatile spot market. According to Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL), the agreement represents a critical step in enhancing supply stability during peak demand periods. RPGCL, a fully owned subsidiary of Petrobangla and the government's LNG importing agency, is the official partner of OQ Trading in Bangladesh. The newly signed Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) allows Bangladesh to import one LNG cargo per month from August 2025 through December 2026, totalling 17 cargoes. This deal marks Bangladesh's first short-term LNG arrangement with any global supplier and complements its existing long-term contracts. Under the agreement, Bangladesh will receive five LNG cargoes in 2025 and 12 in 2026. The SPA also introduces a new pricing mechanism, shifting from the traditional Brent crude-linked pricing model to one based on the Japan Korea Marker (JKM), which is widely used for LNG deliveries to Northeast Asia. The country will pay a premium of 15 cents per MMBtu above the JKM benchmark, offering an alternative structure to previous negotiations where suppliers demanded up to 17 per cent of Brent plus fixed charges. OQ Trading has long been a key LNG supplier to Bangladesh. Its first long-term agreement, signed in 2018, remains in effect through 2029, providing up to 1.5 million tonnes of LNG per year. A second long-term contract, signed in 2023, will run from 2026 to 2035. Under this contract, Bangladesh is set to import 250,000 tonnes of LNG in 2026, 1 million tonnes in both 2027 and 2028 and 1.5 million tonnes annually from 2029 onwards. As of June 2025, Bangladesh has imported 124 LNG cargoes from OQ Trading, totalling around 7.74 million tonnes. The latest short-term deal is designed to reduce Bangladesh's dependency on high-priced spot cargoes, which are frequently used to meet surges in demand — especially in summer and during Ramadhan. Spot market offers often come with hefty premiums due to long validity periods and perceived payment risks, with mark-ups sometimes exceeding $1.50 per MMBtu over JKM. This strip contract with OQ Trading provides Bangladesh with a fixed premium pricing structure and shields the supplier from market risks associated with fluctuating prices and tender uncertainties. It also offers much-needed breathing room ahead of increased deliveries under future long-term supply deals. Bangladesh is projected to import around 52 spot cargoes in 2025 — the highest volume for any single year. The agreement with OQ Trading is expected to ease that pressure by securing a portion of supply under predictable pricing terms.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Maybank IB: Construction, healthcare, O&G among 2025 bright spots
KUALA LUMPUR: While most sectors are expected to deliver flattish earnings in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) said it anticipates positive momentum in the construction, healthcare, property, oil and gas (O&G), and utilities sectors. "Macro data released year-to-date suggests that domestic tailwinds, namely resilient consumer spending and sustained investment upcycle, are countering external headwinds. "The 2Q25 results season has just begun, and we are expecting a more balanced quarter after an underwhelming first quarter (1Q25)," the investment bank said in a note today. In the construction sector, Maybank IB noted that 1Q25 was seasonally slower due to the dual impact of the Chinese New Year and the fasting month of Ramadhan, both of which fell during the quarter. "For 2Q25, we expect works and thus, progress billings to accelerate. This will lead to more revenue and profit recognised in 2Q25," it said. The investment bank also expects a rebound in the healthcare and property sectors following a seasonally weaker performance in 1Q25. As for O&G, Maybank IB said earnings for oil and gas services and equipment players in 2Q25 are likely to improve quarter-on-quarter, as the sector moves beyond the annual monsoon season, which typically affects the fourth and first quarters.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ramadhan relishes test against top players in Super League
Getting his kicks: Brunei's hotshot Ramadhan Sananta (left) has already made waves in South-East Asia. PETALING JAYA: Brunei's Indonesian young attacking hotshot Ramadhan Sananta is ready to take on a new footballing frontier and has revealed why he decided to test himself in the Malaysian Super League. The 22-year-old striker said that the presence of top-quality players in the league, particularly at clubs like Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor, was a major reason in his decision to join the team coached by Englishman Jamie McAllister. This marks Ramadhan's first foray into Malaysian football and he is not just here to observe but to make an impact. 'My motivation to come here is because I know the level of competition in the Malaysian League is high,' said Ramadhan, who joined the Borneo club from Indonesia's Persis Solo. 'The teams in the league have quality, good tactics and technique, and I'm still young. ''I need to challenge myself outside of Indonesia and take this opportunity to grow.' Ramadhan shared that names like winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi –Malaysia's golden boy – and his former teammate Moussa Sidibe, now dazzling on the flanks for JDT, stood out as players he is excited to face. 'I can't wait to meet my former teammate Moussa again at JDT. And Arif Aiman, he's always talked about. There are so many quality players in this league,' he added with a smile. A prolific striker known for his sharp instincts and cool finishing, Ramadhan has already made waves in South-East Asia. He was instrumental in Indonesia's U-23 squad clinching gold at the 2023 SEA Games, netting twice in a thrilling 5-2 final win over Thailand. His rise continued on the senior stage, scoring in Indonesia's 3-0 win over Vietnam during the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Now, at Brunei, he is expected to be a key figure in their attacking unit as they prepare to make a serious push in the Malaysian Super League. With kick-off set for August, Ramadhan is ready to test himself against some of the region's biggest names and possibly become one himself in Malaysia. 'I want to try something new and help this club succeed. I believe I can grow here and I'm excited to start this new chapter.'
Observer
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
Basketball team begin camp ahead of Asia Qualifiers
MUSCAT, JUNE 27 The Oman national U-16 basketball team has officially kicked off its training programme at an external camp in Bahrain, held at Al Manama Club, as part of its final preparations for the upcoming Gulf regional qualifiers for the FIBA Asia Cup. The qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from July 7 to 12, will see only two teams from the Gulf advance to the continental finals. The training sessions are being led by Tunisian head coach Zouhair al Ayachi, with support from Omani assistant coach Ali al Balushi. All 15 players on the squad reported for duty with full commitment. Oman squad includes: Saddam al Sheezawi, Khuzaima al Shibli, Rashid al Eisai, Mohammed al Sheezawi, Abdulrahim al Roushdi, Elias al Obaidani, Al Mulhim al Obaidani, Abdusamad al Subaihi, Muhannad al Battashi, Nawar al Bahlouli, Adam al Hinai, Jaid al Kindi, Saif al Yahyai, Sami al Busaidy, and Sultan al Sinani. Accompanying the team are Ghasan al Busaidy, Director of National Teams and physiotherapist Amer al Zaidi, who is overseeing the players' physical condition and readiness. The first training session focused on technical drills and player cohesion, alongside fitness exercises aimed at boosting the team's physical readiness before the official matches begin. The coaching staff is working to enhance the team's tactical performance, assigning players to specific offensive and defensive roles and implementing strategies tailored to the group stage opponents. This training camp marks the final phase of a long term preparation programme that began before the holy month of Ramadhan. It included intensive weekly gatherings, adapted to the players' school commitments and culminated in a domestic training camp held in Al Buraimi from June 13 to 24. That camp featured practical implementation of tactical plays, with players split into two groups to practice offensive and defensive schemes. The technical staff has placed strong emphasis on improving both the physical and technical aspects of the team, aiming to elevate the overall performance. During earlier stages of the preparation, the team played several friendly matches against local clubs and basketball academies in the UAE, allowing the coaching staff to assess strengths and weaknesses and make necessary adjustments. Oman will compete in Group B of the qualifiers, alongside host Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Group A includes Qatar, UAE and Kuwait. According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the winners of those matches earning direct qualification to the FIBA Asia Cup finals. The U-16 national team hopes to deliver a strong performance that reflects the progress of Omani basketball at the youth level, with aspirations to achieve a new milestone in the Gulf region and strengthen the country's record of international participation.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Focus Point's Komugi collaboration expected to drive B2B growth
Three new outlets are planned in Karamunsing, Bintulu and Miri for its optical business. PETALING JAYA: Focus Point Holdings Bhd 's optical and food and beverage (F&B) segments will continue their growth trajectories with the group's brand equity and popularity of Komugi products. It is targeting expansion into underserved areas in Sabah and Sarawak, with three new outlets planned in Karamunsing, Bintulu and Miri for its optical business. Its F&B division continues to build momentum, driven by Komugi's retail growth and resilient corporate sales, with further upside potential from new corporate partnerships, said Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB Research). While sales momentum persisted, the F&B segment slipped back into the red due to elevated operating costs led by soft corporate sales in February 2025 due to the month of Ramadhan. It wants to improve cost efficiencies and enhance scalability through greater business-to-business or B2B contribution. HLIB Research said given the group's strong brand presence, expanding footprint and operational agility, it is seen as a compelling proxy for rising consumer spending. Furthermore, it reiterated its 'buy' call with an unchanged target price of RM1.10 a share, based on 14 times the price-earnings ratio multiple to financial year 2025 earnings per share. It will continue to reinforce its leadership in the optical space through strategic marketing. Its 360° Advanced Primary Eye Care campaign, a free advanced eye screening led by licensed optometrists, further enhances brand trust and customer 2024, the group screened over 15,245 individuals through its eight roadshows.
