US energy giant ExxonMobil is renewing its engagement with Bangladesh’s state-owned energy corporation Petrobangla, signaling revived interest in offshore gas exploration opportunities in the country.
In a recent communication, ExxonMobil’s New Opportunities Manager Jonathan Wilson confirmed plans to visit Dhakaat the end of March, marking his first trip since November 2024.
The company will meeting meet separately with the Petrobangla chairman Md Arfanul Hoque and director production sharing contract Md Shoeb tomorrow in this regard, official sources confirmed. Petrobangla chairman Md Arfanul Hoque told the Just Energy News the company representatives just come to meet us for courtesy call.
The visit is aimed at initiating high-level discussions on upcoming exploration tenders, both onshore and offshore.
Wilson has requested an introductory meeting with senior Petrobangla officials on the morning of March 31. He also expressed interest in meeting the Petrobangla Chairman on the same day, subject to availability. A separate formal request has reportedly been sent to the chairman’s office.
ExxonMobil has maintained intermittent engagement with Petrobangla over the years, exploring potential investment avenues in Bangladesh’s largely untapped offshore gas reserves. The renewed outreach comes at a time when Bangladeshis actively seeking foreign investment and technical expertise to accelerate energy exploration and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
Due to prior commitments, the ExxonMobil delegation is expected to make only a brief visit, limiting flexibility in scheduling. Nevertheless, the proposed meetings are seen as a potential step toward deeper collaboration in Bangladesh’s energy sector.
Energy analysts note that any renewed partnership with a global major like ExxonMobil could significantly boost confidence in Bangladesh’s offshore bidding rounds, which have historically seen limited participation.