Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today announced that the government is executing an integrated action plan to address the ongoing energy crisis, which has been exacerbated by inadequate gas exploration and a reliance on imports over the years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister attributed the near-collapse of the energy sector to policies enacted during previous administrations, describing the current predicament as a result of historic decisions that neglected domestic gas exploration. During a parliamentary session, in response to a query from lawmaker Selina Sultana, Rahman outlined the government's strategy to enhance local gas production. He revealed that 30 wells have been drilled and undergone workover, adding 140 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas to the national grid. The completion of seven additional wells is expected to contribute a further 85 MMCFD, as the government proceeds with phased projects to drill the remaining targeted wells.
The Prime Minister further detailed plans for extensive seismic surveys aimed at discovering new domestic gas reserves, with 4,500 line kilometers of 2D and 4,200 square kilometers of 3D surveys planned. To bolster the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX), the procurement of two new rigs is underway. Additionally, the government has initiated the bidding process following the approval of the Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC)-2026, with the Onshore Model PSC still pending approval.
Highlighting the importance of both offshore and onshore gas discoveries for national energy security, Rahman discussed ongoing negotiations to establish a floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom, near Maheshkhali, which is expected to provide regasified LNG by December 2028. The Prime Minister projected a significant increase in LNG imports, anticipating an additional 600 MMCFD within two years. He also mentioned plans for feasibility studies to potentially establish new floating LNG terminals in the Payra or Mongla port areas or along the southwestern coastal belt, which would further fortify the nation's energy security.
Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, presided over the parliamentary sitting, which commenced with a 30-minute session dedicated to the Prime Minister's question-and-answer segment.