Bangladesh Discovers New Gas Reserves, Plans Further Exploration and Development

Strategic Insights -

The recent discovery of gas reserves in northern Bangladesh's Jamalpur district has prompted the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) to drill two more wells in the area. The preliminary tests have shown signs of gas at a depth of approximately 2,600 meters, detected in a gas-bearing layer between 1,441 and 1,445 meters. This discovery is expected to boost the country's energy supply and marks the detection of the country's 30th gas field.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) has discovered new gas reserves in Jamalpur district, prompting plans for further exploration and development.
  • The discovery was made at a depth of approximately 2,600 meters, with signs of gas detected in a gas-bearing layer between 1,441 and 1,445 meters.
  • BAPEX plans to drill two more wells in the area, with one aimed at exploring and another aimed at developing the gas field.
  • The discovery comes five months after the start of drilling and is expected to boost the nation's energy supply.
  • Bangladesh currently has 22 onshore blocks and 26 offshore blocks.
  • Petrobangla spokesman and deputy general manager Tariqul Islam Khan stated that the company has intensified activities to drill 50 more wells alongside "workovers" in 100 more wells.
  • Experts said that workover refers to the expensive process of pulling and replacing completion or production hardware to extend the life of existing wells.
  • Feasibility studies are underway to set up Bhola-Barishal and Bhola-Khulna pipelines connecting discovered gas to the national grid.

Statistics:

  • The discovery of gas reserves in Jamalpur district marks the country's 30th gas field.
  • Gas was detected at a depth of approximately 2,600 meters (1,441-1,445 meters).
  • BAPEX is planning to drill 50 more wells alongside "workovers" in 100 more wells.
  • Bangladesh has 22 onshore blocks and 26 offshore blocks.
  • The presence of petroleum was found during the drilling of Sylhet-10 well at Haripur gas field.

Sources:

  • Bangladesh's official news agency, BSS.
  • Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX).
  • Petrobangla spokesman and deputy general manager Tariqul Islam Khan ( statement to BSS).