The Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (PetroBangla) has strengthened gas exploration and ensured a sustainable gas supply amid increasing domestic demand.
In a press release on Wednesday, PetroBangla stated that the entity is resolute in its commitment to addressing the nation's current energy crisis by increasing domestic gas supply to maintain a stable balance between energy demand and supply.
The successful completion of the drilling activities for the aforementioned 11 wells is expected to secure an estimated daily supply of 143 million cubic feet (MMCF) of gas. This increase in natural gas supply from the country's own gas fields is anticipated to reduce the existing gas crisis and play a strong role in bolstering the national economy, said PetroBangla.
To achieve this goal, PetroBangla has intensified its exploration activities and new well drilling programs across various blocks in the country.
Key Exploration and Drilling Initiatives
Jamalpur-1 Commercial Gas Discovery: The Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) a subsidiary of PetroBangla successfully discovered commercial gas for the first time in Block-8 through the drilling of the Jamalpur-1 exploration well. Plans are underway to drill two more wells (one development and one exploration) to assess the gas reserve and extent in the Jamalpur structure, with the related Development Project Proposal (DPP) currently being prepared.
Oil Presence in Haripur: During the drilling of the Sylhet-10 well in the Haripur Gas Field under the Sylhet Gas Fields Limited (SGFL), evidence of fuel oil presence was found. Drilling of the Sylhet-12 oil well is ongoing to confirm the commercial extraction of the oil reserves in the Haripur structure.
Bhola Area Development: Activities are currently underway to drill 19 new wells in the large island of Bhola to determine the extent and reserve of the gas found there. The gas from Bhola will be supplied to the planned Industrial Hub, which is expected to play a groundbreaking role in the economic development of the southern region and create employment opportunities.
Deep Well Drilling: To evaluate the natural gas reserves in the deeper layers of discovered geological structures, a total of four deep wells are being drilled: two in the Titas and Bakhrabad Gas Fields under the Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) and two under BAPEX in the Srikail Gas Field and Mobarakpur Structure.
Drilling Rigs and Future Outlook
PetroBangla is currently utilizing a total of eight rigs for well drilling and workover operations: five owned by BAPEX and three from contract-based contractors under the Turnkey method.
Upcoming Start Dates:
Drilling of the Titas-28 development well will commence on November 27, 2025, using a contractor's rig under the Turnkey method.
PetroBangla is working tirelessly to ensure the drilling of the Titas-31 deep exploration well starts by January 2026, with another contractor's rig under the Turnkey method, in collaboration with BGFCL.
Increased Rig Deployment: A contract will soon be signed between BAPEX and a Turnkey contractor for the drilling of five wells in the Bhola area, which will deploy one additional rig in Bhola. It is anticipated that by January 2026, a total of 11 rigs (five BAPEX-owned and six from Turnkey contractors) will be simultaneously engaged in drilling and workover activities across 11 wells. BAPEX is also in the process of acquiring two new rigs in addition to its current five to expedite drilling operations.