The interim government is set to roll out two new projects aimed at boosting domestic gas exploration to enhance the supply of primary energy and reduce reliance on imports.
Under one project, two deep exploratory wells will be drilled at the Titas-31 and Bakhrabad-11 gas fields. The second initiative focuses on enhancing the well-drilling capacity of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB).
The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has proposed a total allocation of Tk911 crore for the two projects—Tk798 crore for the drilling of the exploratory wells, and Tk113 crore to strengthen GSB’s drilling capacity.
According to Planning Commission sources, the proposals are likely to receive approval at the upcoming Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting, scheduled for Sunday and to be chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.
Since assuming office in August last year, the interim government has significantly reduced the frequency of Ecnec meetings, aiming to curb politically motivated and unnecessary public spending. Despite the tighter fiscal stance, several key gas exploration projects have already received Ecnec approval under the current administration.
Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has emphasized on multiple occasions that the interim government prioritizes local gas exploration, an area neglected by the previous administration.
Bridging the Energy Gap
Bangladesh currently produces between 2,700 and 2,800 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd), far short of the daily demand of 4,000 mmcfd—resulting in a shortfall of over 1,200 mmcfd. Of the total supply, 2,000–2,100 mmcfd is domestically produced, with the remainder met through liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. The Energy Division aims to meet 70% of gas demand through LNG by 2030.
The proposed deep wells are expected to contribute an additional 25 mmcfd to the national grid—15 mmcfd from the Titas-31 well and 10 mmcfd from the Bakhrabad-11 well.
Project Implementation Details
The Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Ltd (BGFCL), a subsidiary of Petrobangla, will implement the project titled “Two Deep Exploratory Wells Drilling at Titas and Bakhrabad Fields” between January 2025 and June 2027. Of the Tk798 crore project cost, the government will provide Tk558.6 crore as a loan, while BGFCL will fund the remaining Tk239.4 crore from its own resources.
Drilling will reach a True Vertical Depth (TVD) of 5,600 meters at Titas-31 and 4,360 meters at Bakhrabad-11. The sites were selected based on 3D seismic surveys, and a feasibility study was conducted last year by the Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company (IIFC).
In addition to drilling, the project includes third-party engineering services, construction of rig foundations, employment of foreign consultants, and installation of a 5.5 km gas gathering pipeline.
Strengthening GSB’s Drilling Capacity
The second project, titled “Enhancing and Strengthening of Well Drilling Capacity of the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB),” is proposed to run from April 2025 to March 2028, with an estimated cost of Tk112.77 crore. The entire cost will be provided by the government as a grant.
The initiative aims to increase GSB’s annual well-drilling capacity from two wells to six and to improve its capacity for conducting feasibility studies for mineral exploration.
“With this project, GSB will be able to drill deeper wells, increasing the potential for new discoveries,” said Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Member of the Industry and Energy Division at the Planning Commission.
National Energy Goals
Both projects align with the government’s 8th Five-Year Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for all.
“These initiatives will help reduce the energy crisis and lower the pressure on foreign currency reserves caused by costly LNG imports,” said Rahman. “Adding 25 mmcfd to the grid will support local industries and save valuable foreign exchange.”