TDS Desk:

A new retrievable gas reserve of 5.109 trillion cubic feet (TCF) has been discovered in the southern island district of Bhola, from which Bangladesh can meet the gas demand in the country in the next five years.

Gas reserves of 2.423 TCF in Shahbazpur and Illisha and 2.686 TCF in Char Fasson have been discovered. Its market value is six and a half lakh crore taka, i.e., Tk 650,000 crores.

“One TCF of gas can meet the gas demand in the country for a year,” say Energy experts.

This information on gas reserves has been revealed by the joint study of Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited and Russia’s energy giant Gazprom.

The study started in 2020 and ended in June this year. The research report has recently been submitted to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla, and BAPEX.

It is learned that Bangladesh is currently meeting the gas demand by importing LNG from abroad. The open price of LNG per MMBTU is $10.46, as per that, the price of 5.109 TCF of gas is about Tk 650,000 crores.

The study states that a 600 square kilometers 3D seismic survey was done from Shahbazpur to Illisha in Bhola. It has discovered recoverable gas reserves of 2.423 TCF. Besides, a 152.6 line kilometers 2D seismic survey in Bhola Char Fasson found 2.686 TCF of gas reserves.

Gazprom spokesman Alexey Belbeziav said the research was conducted as per international standards, where reports were prepared by analyzing seismic data, oil lock data, and core data. Using modern technology and software, supercomputer systems, and high-quality labs, the research data is very reliable.

“We are continuing with the research report. Bhola-Barishal and Barishal-Khulna gas pipelines have already been planned to bring Bhola gas to the national grid. At the same time, this will brought to Dhaka soon via LNG and CNG,” said Petrobangla chairman Janendranath Sarkar.

He also said that a tender will be given soon. Henceforth, all works will be through open tender. Job opportunities will be given to multiple companies. If this gas is available, LNG imports will be limited.