TDS Desk

The government has planned to issue a tender in December to bring the recently discovered gas resource in Bhola to Dhaka, Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said on November 23.

“Interested businesses can participate in the tender and bring the Bhola’s gas to Dhaka in the form of compressed natural gas [CNG] or liquefied natural gas [LNG],” the adviser announced at a seminar titled “Ways of Mitigating Energy Crisis in the Industrial Sectors” held at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin was also present at the event.

Fouzul Kabir said although 70 MMCF of gas has been found in Bhola, it cannot be brought to Dhaka or industrial areas due to the lack of a pipeline.

“Bringing Bhola’s gas to Dhaka will somewhat alleviate the gas shortage in industries,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker said an offshore bidding tender will also be opened on 9 December. “We hope to sign an agreement with a world-renowned fuel company for offshore gas early next year.”

He further said there is a huge potential for gas discovery in various parts of the country, including the hilly areas. Preparations are underway to open an onshore bidding to explore gas in these areas.

Zanendra expressed hope that onshore bidding could be conducted by next March.