Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced a five-point plan to address the country's energy crisis, focused on boosting domestic gas production, expanding exploration, strengthening BAPEX, developing LNG infrastructure and cutting reliance on gas imports.
Responding to a question from MP Selina Sultana in Parliament, Tarique said the energy sector had been left in poor shape under the previous government with weak exploration efforts and rising import dependence. He said the current government has adopted an integrated plan to overcome the crisis and build a self-reliant energy system.
On boosting domestic supply, he said 30 of a planned 150 wells have already been drilled or repaired also adding 140 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) to the national grid. Once seven more wells now being drilled are completed, another 85 mmcfd will be added with remaining wells to follow in phases.
The government also plans 4,500 line-kilometres of 2D and 4,200 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys to locate new gas reserves and is strengthening BAPEX by procuring two new rigs.
Tarique said the Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract 2026 has been approved and opened for bidding while the Onshore model is under review. He added that gas discoveries from both offshore and onshore exploration would be key to energy security.
On LNG, he said talks are underway to build a floating terminal at Kutubjom, off Maheshkhali, expected to begin supplying regasified LNG by December 2028 and raise LNG imports by 600 mmcfd within two years. Feasibility studies are also underway for one or two more terminals near Payra or Mongla or along the southwestern coast.
Responding to a separate question on reported factory closures due to power and gas shortages, Tarique dismissed figures citing 92 to 300 closures, saying the claims stemmed from outdated 2022 data that was later retracted with an apology.
