Bhola Gas Resource Development Without Assured Market Not To Be Viable

Greater Bhola is a gas-studded region but, I think, the prospect is not that much or as prolific as the Surma basin. However, it is a region full of natural gas presence. Geophysical prospecting and exploration-well drilling there must continue under long-term planning. Initiative for the development of gas resources may not be justified without developing a market for the consumption of the produced gas. Instead, it will adversely affect the financial viability of BAPEX.

- Mortuza Ahmad Faruque

Mortuza Ahmad Faruque, former Managing Director of BAPEX, observed in an exclusive interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy & Power.

What are your views on the gas prospect of the greater Bhola region? Is BAPEX on the right track for converting the resource into reserve?

Bhola is a prospective region. Seismic surveys and other activities must continue there to tap the potential. Exploration wells must also be drilled based on the findings in a planned manner. There is no other way to prove the presence of gas resources without exploration well drilling and carrying out required testing. There is no logic in questioning BAPEX's capability or actions for developing Bhola's prospects. BAPEX alone cannot make decisions. Unless Petrobangla and EMRD make any decision, BAPEX cannot do anything. However, it can be said that Petrobangla and EMRD could not provide the required directives to BAPEX for developing the Bhola gas prospect over a long time. EMRD must make the right decision for developing and exploiting Bhola gas resources.

Many experts believe that Surma Basin has the largest proven gas reserves in the Bengal Delta. They also believe the Hatiya trap may prove to have larger reserves than the Surma basin if the right decision is made to explore and develop. What are your views?