The state-run energy company BAPEX has successfully completed the drilling of Jamalpur-1 exploratory well in Jamalpur's Madarganj upazila, after four months of operations.
Officials confirmed that test ignition conducted around 9:30 PM on Saturday detected the presence of natural gas.
Project Director Md. Mozammel Haque confirmed the development during a press briefing on Sunday afternoon.
According to BAPEX sources, preliminary testing on Saturday night confirmed the presence of gas at the well. Over the next 72 hours, further monitoring and sample analysis will determine the actual volume and commercial viability of the gas reserves.
Initial estimates suggest that the well may contain approximately 400 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas. If confirmed, the site could potentially yield up to 10 million cubic feet (MMCF) of gas per day.
BAPEX engineers stated that the drilling operation reached a depth of 2,600 meters out of a planned 2,800 meters. Gas-bearing zones were detected at depths of 1,441 meters and 1,545 meters, with several additional layers showing potential reserves. As of midday Sunday, the gas pressure measured 7.2 million psi.
“We have successfully completed drilling to 2,600 meters. Ongoing tests will determine the volume and sustainability of the reserves,” said Project Director Mozammel Haque.
In 1980, BAPEX first identified signs of gas in the Tartapara area of Madarganj. A seismic data study was conducted during the 2014–15 fiscal year, followed by a close-grid seismic survey in 2015–16. Based on those findings, drilling at the Jamalpur-1 site officially commenced on January 24.
