Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday outlined a five-point comprehensive government plan to tackle the country’s ongoing energy crisis by boosting domestic gas production, intensifying exploration, strengthening BAPEX, expanding LNG infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported gas.
Replying to a question from MP Selina Sultana (Women Seat-35) during the question-answer session in Parliament, Tarique said the energy sector was left “crippled” during the previous fascist rule, resulting in inadequate gas exploration and growing import dependence. He said the government has adopted an integrated action plan to bring the country out of the existing energy crisis and build a self-reliant and sustainable energy system.
As part of efforts to increase domestic gas production, Tarique said 30 wells have already been drilled under a programme to drill or carry out workovers on 150 wells, adding 140 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to the national grid.
“Once the seven wells currently under drilling are completed, another 85 mmcfd of gas will be added to the national grid,” he said, adding that projects are being taken up in phases to drill the remaining wells.
The Prime Minister said the government has also planned 4,500 line-kilometre of 2D seismic surveys and 4,200 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys to explore domestic gas reserves.