Petrobangla, the state-owned oil, gas, and minerals corporation, is gearing up to drill 48 wells across different gas fields by 2025, with plans to inject 618 mmcfd into the national grid.
This ambitious endeavor, slated to be completed through both Petrobangla’s own entities and outsourced contractors, aims to expedite gas supply amid pressing demand.
“We’re committed to timely execution of this plan, even considering waivers for mandatory feasibility studies to streamline the process,” revealed a high-ranking Petrobangla official, speaking anonymously due to media protocol.
The initiative targets a significant augmentation of the national gas grid, vital for sustaining operations in power, industries, and various sectors grappling with gas shortages.
Of the slated 48 wells, 23 will be drilled utilizing Bapex’s rigs, while the remaining 25 will be executed under contracted outsourcing at existing onshore gas fields, under a fast-track program.
“These wells are integral to the government’s strategy to bolster local gas production,” shared another Petrobangla official, also speaking anonymously, citing pending approvals from the highest governmental authority.
The initiative arises against the backdrop of declining gas production and depleting reserves, with only 9 trillion cubic feet (tcf) out of 30 tcf remaining in the country’s reserves, as 21 tcf have already been tapped.
With gas demand surging due to the establishment of gas-fired power plants and new industries nationwide, Petrobangla’s projection anticipates a gas demand spike to 5,092 mmcfd by 2029-30, 6,072 mmcfd by 2034-35, and 6,986 mmcfd by 2040-41.
The ongoing drilling plan, of which completion of several wells like Bhola North-2, Togbi-1, and Elisha-1 has already contributed 126 mmcfd gas to the national grid, forms an integral part of Petrobangla’s strategy to sustainably meet escalating energy demands.
