Forcing out Ukhiya gas fire risks explosion: BAPEX

Cox’s Bazar, Oct 30: The state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) has warned that forcibly extinguishing the gas fire at Inani in Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhiya could trigger a major explosion, as gas may accumulate underground under pressure. Experts say the fire must be allowed to burn until the gas flow stops naturally, while authorities have restricted public movement around the site to prevent casualties.

SM Nafefun Arham, BAPEX manager (geology) and head of its geological survey team, urged people to follow safety measures and exercise caution.

Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Panna Akter imposed Section 144 within 200 metres of the site from Thursday night.

The incident occurred on October 27 when a borehole about 1,000 feet deep was drilled for a tube well in the yard of Mohammad Abdullah's house in Chhoto Inani of Jaliapalong Union. After the drilling equipment and pipes were withdrawn without finding water, gas  and water began gushing out, and the gas caught fire. The fire has been burning since.

RISK OF EXPLOSION
Arham said underground gas under intense pressure escapes through weak soil layers or cracks once it finds an outlet, making the uncontrolled emission difficult to manage.

Unlike exploration wells, where special equipment controls gas flow and directs excess gas to a designated burning point, the Inani leak has no controlled outlet.

Attempts to block the gas with sand have instead caused it to emerge at other spots.

"Forcibly shutting it could cause gas to accumulate and trigger a major explosion," he warned.

Citing previous incidents at Haripur, Magurchhara and Tengratila, he said uncontrolled gas releases could produce extreme heat and serious damage. At Haripur, drilling equipment melted during a blowout.

The gas may continue escaping until the underground reservoir is depleted, he said, adding that BAPEX would monitor the situation while prioritising the safety of lives and property.

PETROBANGLA SAFETY DIRECTIVE
Petrobangla has issued a safety directive asking the Cox's Bazar deputy commissioner to take necessary measures.

An urgent notice signed by Md Shoyeb, director (operations and mines) of Petrobangla, bans public entry within 50 metres of the gas vent and prohibits fires, smoking, matches and lighters within 100 metres.
Any new gas leaks within 200 metres must be monitored in the presence of BAPEX experts.

The directive specifically prohibits extinguishing the fire or blocking the gas outlet, warning that doing so could cause a high-pressure explosion affecting a large area.

The gas emission will initially be monitored for 15 days to determine whether the flow weakens and stops naturally. Further measures will be taken on expert advice if it continues.
Power lines within 100 metres of the restricted zone must also be monitored round the clock.

SAMPLES COLLECTED FOR TESTING
BAPEX experts have collected rock and water samples from the site but could not obtain gas samples because the emission has spread to several locations.

Arham said the collected samples would be tested at BAPEX's laboratory. The gas's composition and characteristics cannot be determined until the results are available.

He said the incident could provide an opportunity for geological and geophysical surveys to assess the underground reservoir's size and potential reserves. However, it is too early to determine the volume of gas or whether commercial extraction is feasible.

Meanwhile, the fire has disrupted electricity supply after a 33kV transmission line developed faults following contact with the flames. The power division is constructing an alternative line to restore normal supply.