The energy division has requested the government to earmark Tk 22.25 billion in the next fiscal year for drilling wells to enhance gas and oil production, conducting seismic surveys, and exploring mineral resources, officials have said.
Energy and Mineral Resources Division Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam in a recent letter to Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder made the plea.
Finance Division officials say they are now scrutinizing the proposal based on the necessity of the projects.
A senior official of the division said, "The government is now facing a severe shortage of development funds. Allocating additional funds in the next fiscal year will be very tough."
In the fiscal year 2025-26, the energy division secretary sought an allocation of Tk 3.0 billion to install ERL unit-2, Tk 2.0 billion to construct the Bhola-Barishal-Khulna gas pipeline, Tk 1.0 billion to dig wells in five areas of Bhola district, and Tk 2.0 billion to conduct 3D seismic surveys in Charfesson, Monpura, and Hatia upazilas.
