Dhaka:In an effort to enhance local gas production amid global supply chain challenges, the Bangladeshi government has developed a comprehensive roadmap to drill and overhaul 150 gas wells by 2031, targeting an increase of 1,752 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas from domestic sources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the roadmap divides the initiative into two phases, with the first phase scheduled to conclude by January 2028 and the second phase extending from February 2028 to December 2031. The government aims to increase domestic natural gas production, reduce reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), and address the growing gap between gas demand and supply.
The plan involves the drilling of 104 new wells and workover operations on 46 existing wells. To date, 77 wells have been brought under project or board approval, including 77 wells under 27 projects and four workover wells approved by the relevant gas company boards. Of the 51 wells approved, work has been completed on 32, 11 are currently in progress, and work on eight is pending.
The government has also set a target to drill 150 wells by 2031 to bolster local gas production. Gas from these new wells is expected to contribute to the national gas grid, potentially reducing the country's dependence on imported LNG.
Bangladesh's daily gas demand is currently 5,300 mmcfd based on approved loads, with actual consumption at 3,800 mmcfd, while the average daily supply is around 2,700 mmcfd. Imported regasified LNG accounts for 41 percent of the supply, while international oil companies and domestic state-owned companies contribute 33 percent and 26 percent, respectively.
Under the first phase of the drilling initiative, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX), Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL), and Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL) have set specific targets for well completion. The second phase will focus on 100 wells, including 69 new wells and 31 workovers, with detailed project proposals currently under review.
The Planning Commission's Project Evaluation Committee has also held meetings to review various drilling projects, including those proposed by BAPEX and SGFL, with anticipated costs covered from the companies' own funds. The government expects these efforts, combined with exploration activities and seismic surveys, to strengthen domestic gas production and improve the country's energy supply.
Source Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha