Photo : Collected
The government has taken an initiative to dig 17 new wells and repair the existing ones to increase gas supply to the national grid, and companies from three countries – Russia, China, and Uzbekistan – will work with state[1]owned Petrobangla in this regard.
Meanwhile, the government plans to increase gas extraction by digging 46 wells and working over them by 2025. Drilling of the wells aims to increase the daily supply of gas to the national grid by 615 million cubic feet.
As part of the plan, three foreign companies – Russia’s Gazprom, China’s Sinopec, and Uzbekistan’s Eriell – are going to drill 17 wells. The Energy Division is now scrutinising the companies’ proposals.
A top official of BAPEX said on condition of anonymity it is certain that Gazprom is getting the work of drilling five wells. “Negotiations are now going on with them on financial and technical issues. They asked for $120 million to drill the five wells, but the Energy Division asked them to reduce the price. The cost of the project may increase further,” he said.
According to its proposal, Gazprom will carry out drilling operations in the five wells jointly with BAPEX in Bhola. Meanwhile, Sinopec will drill five wells under Sylhet Gas Fields Company Limited (SGFCL). Besides, Eriell will drill seven wells under Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Limited (BGFCL) in different districts.
The government has permitted SGFCL to drill five wells in Sylhet under special provisions. Of the five, four are exploration wells and the other is development well. For this, SGFCL prepared three development project proposals (DPPs).
Sinopec then expressed interest in drilling Rashidpur 11 and Rashidpur 13, Kailashtila 9, and Dupi Tila 1 wells in Sylhet as well as Sylhet 11, the only development well. The total cost of the project can be as much as Tk 1,200 crore. In this regard, SGFCL Managing Director Mizanur Rahman told The Daily Messenger, “Sinopec has plans to drill five wells to increase gas production. DPPs have been formulated for drilling the wells, but no final agreement has been signed. The matter is now awaiting the ministry’s approval.
Stakeholders think the companies will start their drilling and renovation activities in 17 wells in phases only after the approval of the proposals and the completion of the subsequent processes.
Messenger/Fameema
