The government is currently producing around 1,630 million cubic feet of natural gas per day (MMCFD) from 20 producing gas fields and has undertaken a series of exploration, drilling, and offshore initiatives to substantially increase domestic gas production, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood told parliament today.
Current Production and Fields
Mahmood stated that although 30 gas fields have been discovered in the country, 20 are currently in production. The producing fields include Titas, Habiganj, Bakhrabad, Narsingdi, Meghna, Sylhet, Kailashtila, Rashidpur, Beanibazar, Salda, Sundalpur, Srikail, Shahbazpur, Fenchuganj, Begumganj, Semutang, Bibiyana, Moulvibazar, Jalalabad, and Bangura.
Government Initiatives
In line with the commitment made in the election manifesto, the government has undertaken several initiatives to increase oil and gas exploration and production both onshore and offshore. The plan includes drilling and workover operations on 150 wells by 2031. Of these, 29 wells have already been drilled or undergone workover operations, while work is currently underway on eight more wells.
Seismic Surveys and Exploration
Extensive seismic surveys are being carried out to identify new drilling prospects. Around 4,500 line kilometres of 2D seismic data have been acquired in Blocks 7 and 9, with data processing now underway. 3D seismic surveys will soon begin over 1,450 square kilometres adjacent to the Habiganj, Bakhrabad, and Meghna gas fields.
Offshore Exploration
On offshore exploration, Mahmood said the government published the “Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round 2026” notice on May 24, 2026, inviting international companies to explore for oil and gas in 26 offshore blocks, including 15 deep-sea and 11 shallow-water blocks. The deadline for bid submission has been fixed until November 2026.
Strengthening BAPEX
To strengthen the state-owned exploration company BAPEX, procurement is in progress for two additional drilling rigs—one with 2,000 horsepower and another with 1,500 horsepower—to complement its existing five rigs. If the planned two additional rigs are procured, BAPEX will have seven rigs, enabling the drilling of more wells in a shorter time and thereby increasing domestic gas production.
