Gas Gap Grows: Experts Urge Domestic Exploration as Crisis Looms30 Jul 2025 19:44
Gas article but the urgency is the same as domestic coal………..
With the country facing a mounting energy crisis, energy expert Ijaz Hossain has stressed that there is no alternative to intensifying domestic gas exploration. “We must bring in foreign experts and conduct uninterrupted exploration for at least three years,” he said during a seminar titled “Energy Security of the Country: Challenges and Future Path—Role of the Media,” held on Tuesday, July 29, at Petro Center in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.
Currently, Bangladesh faces a daily gas demand of around 4,500 million cubic feet (mmcf), but supply stands at only 2,700 mmcf. Petrobangla is under pressure to meet the growing demand, and multiple price adjustments have already been made. Questions have also been raised about the government’s financial ability to sustain expensive LNG imports.
Four years ago, the country was producing 2,500 mmcf of gas domestically. That number has now fallen to 1,800 mmcf per day, supplemented by 1,000 mmcf of imported LNG. However, there is currently no infrastructure in place to support increased LNG imports.
In his keynote presentation, Ijaz Hossain highlighted that gas supply reached 2,660 mmcf in FY 2016–17 but has since declined to 1,800 mmcf. “To address the immediate crisis, increasing LNG imports is an option, but acquiring the necessary U.S. dollars is a major challenge,” he said. “In parallel, we must accelerate BAPEX’s efforts. Given their current workload, hiring foreign experts for long-term exploration is vital.”
Looking ahead to 2030, Hossain projected that gas demand would hit 4,600 mmcf. Of this, 2,000 mmcf is expected from local fields, and 1,100 mmcf from two LNG terminals. He noted that enhancing the capacity of these terminals could yield another 100 mmcf. Additionally, constructing at least two new terminals could help supply the remaining 1,130 mmcf.
Mohammad Shoeb, Director (PSC) of Petrobangla, said that a previous offshore bidding round saw six companies purchase tender documents, but none submitted bids. A committee was formed to investigate the reasons, and its report is under review. Petrobangla is also working on a Model PSC 2025 to revamp onshore exploration.
Petrobangla Chairman Rezanur Rahman stated that alongside expanded drilling in Bhola, they are initiating deep drilling operations. “Four wells are planned, and agreements for two have already been signed. While BAPEX has a heavy workload, our focus remains on exploration and reducing system loss,” he added.
https://digibanglatech.news/156062
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