Govt steps up gas exploration, drilling, offshore drive to boost production: Minister
Although 30 gas fields have been discovered so far, only 20 are currently in production, he says
The government has intensified efforts to increase natural gas production through expanded exploration, well drilling, seismic surveys and offshore bidding to attract international investors, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood told parliament today (8 July).
Bangladesh is currently producing around 1,630 million cubic feet of natural gas per day from 20 gas fields. Although 30 gas fields have been discovered so far, only 20 are currently in production, he said while responding to a question from reserved seat MP Selina Sultana.
He said the government plans to complete the drilling and workover of 150 wells by 2031. Of these, work on 29 wells has already been completed, drilling is underway at eight more, and preparations and development activities for the remaining wells are progressing.
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To identify new gas reserves, the government is carrying out seismic surveys in several areas. Nearly 4,500 line kilometres of two-dimensional seismic data have been collected in Blocks 7 and 9 and are now being analysed.
Preparations are also underway for three-dimensional seismic surveys in areas adjacent to the Habiganj, Bakhrabad and Meghna gas fields. New two-dimensional seismic surveys are also planned in Block 12, the Hinge Zone and the Foredeep area.
The minister said the government invited international companies on 24 May under the Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round 2026 to explore oil and gas in 26 offshore blocks, comprising 15 deep-sea and 11 shallow-water blocks.
The bidding process will remain open until November. Preparations are also underway to launch a new onshore bidding round, he told parliament.
To strengthen the state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, the government is procuring two additional drilling rigs alongside its existing five rigs.
