Maintaining Domestic Gas Output At Present Level May Not Be Possible Sans Major Discoveries

Significant discoveries are needed to sustain domestic gas production at the existing level of 2000 MMCFD. Adopting realistic and well-structured plans is the key to achieving this.

- Mortuza Ahmad Faruque chisty

The ongoing program to drill 150 gas wells, including 87 exploration wells by 2028, is highly ambitious; it is unlikely to be achieved under the current system, considering BAPEX's existing technical manpower. To accelerate progress, we need to take a more pragmatic approach. Following the example of international oil and gas exploration companies and experienced drilling contractors, we could bypass some rigid procedures under the Public Procurement Rules (PPR). By enlisting a pool of reputed vendors and service companies, soliciting quotations directly from them, and awarding contracts accordingly, implementation could be significantly faster and more efficient. For this approach to be effective, BAPEX should be facilitated with special regulatory provisions for at least 5-10 years. This would allow the national company to operate with greater flexibility, attract quality service providers, and respond more quickly to operational needs. On the other hand, under current circumstances, it seems unlikely that investment can be attracted under the PSC (Production Sharing Contract) framework, either offshore or onshore.

The observation was made by Mortuza Ahmad Faruque Chisty, former Managing Director of BAPEX, in a conversation with Energy & Power Editor Mollah Amzad Hossain.

Of the 50-well plan, 34 wells remain to be drilled, and it's said that these would be completed by June next year. Of these, 17 will be drilled by BAPEX and 17 by contractors. Do you think this is realistically achievable?