Bangladesh Plans to Drill 150 Wells and Set Up New LNG Terminals to Address Gas Crisis

The government of Bangladesh has announced plans to resolve the country's persistent gas supply crisis in the industrial sector by increasing domestic production and setting up new terminals for LNG imports. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman outlined the plans in a question-answer session in parliament, stating that by 2030-31, the government aims to drill 150 new wells and conduct exploration works to discover new gas reserves.

The premier also announced plans to set up two new LNG terminals: one floating terminal in Kutubjom union of Moheshkhali upazila, Cox's Bazar, and a land-based terminal in Matarbaril of the same upazila. The government is also exploring the possibility of setting up another floating LNG terminal near the Payra or Mongla port.

In addition to these measures, the government plans to use Bhola's gas reserves within the island district itself, as bringing it to the mainland via pipeline would take seven years. Works are already underway for setting up gas-based industries in Bhola and establishing a fertiliser factory and a 500-megawatt power plant.