Bangladesh has started preparations to extract natural gas from Inani in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar, where a gas-fuelled fire has been burning for 18 days following a deep tube-well drilling operation.
The Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (Bapex) began transporting heavy machinery, pipes and drilling equipment to the site yesterday morning, raising expectations that controlled drilling and technical operations could start soon.
Ukhiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter said authorities had been monitoring the situation since the fire broke out. Section 144 was imposed to ensure public safety and prevent potential hazards, including explosions and landslides. Fire Service personnel and law enforcement agencies have also been deployed.
She said a high-level expert team was assessing the gas pressure and flow, geological structure and safety requirements for extraction.
Bapex geologist Nasir Uddin said prolonged monitoring showed that gas pressure and flow remained stable. "Decisions have been taken in principle on how to control the fire safely and proceed towards commercial gas extraction," he said.
Local traders Jasim Uddin, Mohammad Ali and Mir Ahmed said heavy equipment had been arriving at the site since yesterday morning. They expressed hope that drilling operations would begin soon, potentially paving the way for Inani to become the country's 31st gas field.
Experts believe the sustained gas flow and pressure could indicate substantial underground reserves rather than a small gas pocket. However, geological surveys, seismic studies and further tests are needed to determine the size and commercial viability of the deposit.
Bangladesh has 30 discovered gas fields, around 20 of which are producing commercially. If sufficient reserves are confirmed and commercial extraction proves viable, Inani would become the country's 31st gas field, potentially strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on imports.
Gas first emerged and caught fire on October 27 during the drilling of a deep tube well at Chhoto Inani in Jaliapalong union of Ukhiya upazila. The gas was released from a depth of around 1,000 feet.