Petrobangla, BAPEX Must Undergo Structural Reform To Ensure Energy Security

Bangladesh's economy is heavily reliant on natural gas, making energy security a critical concern for the country.

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Achieving this security necessitates both extensive domestic exploration and the development of infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. However, the existing operational framework of Petrobangla and BAPEX is insufficient to meet these demands. To ensure energy security, these institutions must undergo structural reform based on a comprehensive re-evaluation of current operations. Furthermore, boosting domestic gas production requires rigorous studies to accurately assess current reserves and identify the untapped potential of all gas fields. Failure to prioritize these measures will likely exacerbate future energy shortages. Importing expensive LNG at best will provide a short-term fix but no panacea for long-term energy needs.

In an interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy & Power, Ahmed Hussain, Business Director (Asia) of Oilfield Production Consultants (OPC) UK, shared his insights. Mr. Hussain has amassed 40 years of experience in oil and gas exploration, both in Bangladesh and internationally.

You commenced your career with Bangladesh Gas Field Company Limited during the period when Bangladesh had recently acquired five gas fields from Shell. Could you elaborate on your experiences from that time?