DHAKA, Feb 15, 2024 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said the activities for exploration and extraction of oil and gas will be enhanced with the help of technology.

“We will drill 48 wells by 2024-25. Activities are being taken for drilling another 100 wells, as demand of gas has been continuously increasing,” he said this while delivering speech at the opening session of a workshop titled "Gas Demand-Supply Scenario; Scope of Seismic Survey & Enhancement of Drilling Activities To Expedite Hydrocarbon Production" at Petrobangla in the city.

The state minister said that to match the supply and demand, economic growth will continue, adding, “Plan will be prepared with the opinion of experts. In 2029-30, demand of gas could be 6655 mmcfd. On the other hand, reserve in our own mines is decreasing.

 We also have to think about alternative source of energy.”

Nasrul Hamid said that avoiding criticism clear proposals are needed on how to increase the supply of oil and gas to the industries for booting up the country’s economy.

 
“Domestic gas, mixed with imported LNG at a purchase price of Tk 24.80 per cubic meter but the average selling price is Tk 21.41 per cubic meter.

 This deficiency can disrupt the balanced development. Apart from that, if the gas is given as per demand for electricity, subsidy will be reduced around by 70 percent,” he added.

Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Managing Director Md Anwar Islam and Petrobangla General Manager Mehrur Hasan presented the main articles while Petrobangla Chairman Janendra Nath Sarkar chaired the function.

 Energy Division Secretary Md Nurul Alam also spoke at the opening ceremony as special guest.

Among others, Dhaka University Geology Department Prof Dr Badrul Imam, Prof Dr ASM Obaidullah, Prof Dr Md Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan, Associate Prof Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman, Prof of Geological Sciences of the Jahangirnagar University Dr Hussain Md Sayem, Prof Sakhawat Hossain, Prof of BUET Md Mahbubur Rahman, Prof Dr Md Ijaz Hossain and officers concerned were present.