Abstract

Exploration in Bangladesh has increased since 1908 when the first exploratory well was drilled. There have been 69 exploratory wells and 63 appraisal/ development wells with 24 gas discoveries and 1 oil discovery. Estimated undiscovered gas resources for the country are about 32 TCF. The current supply capacity is 1,500 mmcfd from 57 wells in 15 fieldds with over 1,800 Km of transmission lines and 1,9000 Km distribution lines. The largest gas consumers, consuming about 70% of daily production are the power and fertilizer sectors. Gas production has seen a steady increase with a growth rate of 13% from 1981–1990, 7% from 1991–2000, and 8% from 2001–2004. The main reservoirs in the Surma Basin are the Bokabil Sandstone and the Bhuban Sandstone. Silty shales and mudstone of Miocene age form excellent seals in the basin while the hydrocarbons are sourced mainly from the Oligocene Jenam shale. The Moulavi Bazar was discovered in 1998 with a gross reserve of 350 Bcf of gas. Bibiyana was also discovered in 1998, has 225 Km² of 3D and has a gross reserve of 2,000 Bcf of gas. Moulavi Bazar and Bibiyana development will help to supply Bangladesh's growing domestic market, adding 750 MMCFD capacity by 2009.

Presented at: 2005 South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Conference, Singapore, 2005