Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has unveiled a five-point strategy to address Bangladesh’s energy crisis by boosting domestic gas production, intensifying exploration, strengthening BAPEX, expanding LNG infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported gas.
Replying to a question in Parliament recently, the Prime Minister said the government had adopted an integrated plan to build a more self-reliant and sustainable energy system.
Under a program to drill and rework 150 wells, 30 have already been completed, adding around 140 MMCFD of gas to the national grid. Seven more wells are under drilling and are expected to add another 85 MMCFD. The government also plans 4,500 line-km of 2D and 4,200 sq km of 3D seismic surveys to identify new gas reserves.
Tarique said BAPEX would be strengthened through measures including the procurement of two new drilling rigs. The Offshore Model PSC 2026 has been approved and bidding invited, while the Onshore Model PSC is awaiting approval.
Negotiations are underway to establish a floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom in Maheshkhali, which is expected to start supplying regasified LNG by December 2028 and add around 600 MMCFD to import capacity. Feasibility studies are also underway for one or two additional FSRUs near Payra, Mongla or the southwestern coast.
The Prime Minister also rejected reports that 92 or 200–300 factories had closed due to gas and power shortages, saying earlier reports of around 95 closures had been withdrawn and apologized for.
