Adviser: Govt plans to drill 14 more wells in Bhola by 2028

Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, has announced a plan to intensify gas production efforts in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on costly gas imports.

He said: “There is a severe shortage of fuel gas in the country, which necessitates a significant outlay of foreign currency for gas imports. To address the gas crisis, we have a plan to drill five gas wells in Bhola by 2025. Additionally, by 2028, there is a plan to drill 14 more wells, bringing the total to 19.”

He made this statement on Friday afternoon, responding to journalists’ questions after visiting the Ilisha-1 gas field in Bhola.

The adviser said: “We are still facing a severe gas shortage. We currently need 4,000 MMCF of gas, but we are only getting 2,000. To bridge this gap, we are importing gas from various countries, which is causing a substantial drain on foreign reserves. To meet the shortfall, approximately Tk600 crore is spent annually on LNG imports. We are making strong efforts to increase domestic gas production by developing new gas fields.”

He continued: “From now on, no project will be undertaken without open competition, and we will award projects through tenders to those who present the best proposals. We will consult with expert committees in these matters, and no irregularities will be tolerated.”

He further remarked: “We have undertaken many large projects, but the needs of the people were not prioritized, which led to increased corruption in these large projects. We aim to prioritize the demands of the public.”

Fouzul said: “At this moment, providing gas to households is a false promise. Since I will not be engaging in politics, I will not make such false assurances. However, if gas supplies increase nationwide in the future, we may consider this issue.”

Speaking about his visit to Bhola, he mentioned: “The purpose of coming here is to assess the potential for finding additional gas and to determine what measures could yield more gas. The gas discovered here in Bhola is not being fully utilized.”

At the event, he also assured solutions for Bhola’s power issues and the establishment of gas-based industries. The Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy, the Chairman of Petrobangla, the Deputy Commissioner of Bhola: Azad Jahan, and other senior officials were present.