3D seismic survey begins in Habiganj

 
The government has launched an extensive onshore 3D seismic survey covering more than 1,200 square kilometres as part of its drive to explore new domestic gas reserves and boost natural gas production.

“We are carrying out 3D onshore surveys in Habiganj district to identify gas reserves from local sources,” Petrobangla Director Md Abdul Mannan Patwary told BSS.

Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) is responsible for conducting the onshore seismic surveys, according to Petrobangla.

Officials said the 3D survey is expected to take around two years to complete and will help identify potential gas-bearing structures for further exploration and drilling.

Petrobangla Chairman Abdul Mannan said the process involves three major phases: data collection, data processing using specialised software, and interpretation with the support of local and foreign consultants. Necessary measures are being taken to strengthen the country’s capacity for exploring and developing its natural resources, he added.

Petrobangla is also planning to conduct 2D seismic surveys in offshore areas to identify new domestic gas reserves.
As part of an integrated national energy master plan, the government has set a target of drilling and workover operations on 150 wells by 2030-31. So far, 30 wells have been completed under the ongoing programme, adding around 140 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to the and national grid. Another 85 mmcfd drilling is expected to be added after the completion of capacity seven ongoing wells.
The government is also strengthening BAPEX.

by procuring two new drilling rigs toPrime enhance its exploration Minister Tarique Rahman has outlined a five-point plan to address the country’s ongoing energy crisis by increasing domestic gas production, intensifying exploration, strengthening BAPEX, expanding LNG infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported gas. The plan places emphasis on raising domestic gas output, establishing new LNG terminals and intensifying exploration activities to protect industries from losses caused by sudden or temporary gas shortages.

On May 24, the government announced an international bidding round to appoint global companies for oil and gas exploration and extraction in 26 offshore blocks. The deadline for submitting bids is November.

According to ministry information, the government has also initiated the formulation of the “Bangladesh Onshore Model PSC-2026” to attract foreign investment in onshore oil and gas exploration.