In a bid to capitalize on the global natural gas supply crunch, Russia is offering liquefied natural gas (LNG) to South Asian countries at a 40% discount compared to spot prices. The offer comes as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on major LNG export facilities in Qatar have severely impacted global supply, raising prices and forcing countries like Bangladesh and India to seek more expensive alternatives. Bangladesh, which relied on Qatar for 60% of its LNG last year, is now purchasing from the spot market at prices nearly double its long-term contracts. This situation has led both Bangladesh and India to reduce gas supplies to essential sectors like fertilizers. Although India has historically been cautious about importing sanctioned energy, Russia's expanding exports from its sanctioned facilities could potentially attract interest from these countries. However, many buyers remain hesitant due to fears of retaliation from the United States, with China being the only country currently importing sanctioned Russian LNG.