The government has taken an in-principle decision to bring natural gas from Bhola to the national grid through a pipeline. The plan involves laying a pipeline under the riverbed from Bhola to Barishal, followed by another pipeline connecting Barishal to Khulna. This would not only meet Bhola's local demand but also boost supply to the Barishal-Khulna region and the national gas transmission network.

Reserve Estimates

According to the Energy Division, Petrobangla believes the three gas fields in Bhola may hold approximately 185,000 crore cubic feet of gas. The potential for further discoveries in Bhola remains strong. In 2024, Russia's Gazprom stated that Bhola holds more than 4 TCF of gas. This year, another firm, Schlumberger, said reserves in Bhola could exceed 8 TCF.

Pipeline Deemed Most Viable Option

Successive governments have explored various plans to utilize Bhola's untapped gas reserves. The current administration has also considered three different approaches. Petrobangla and Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC (GTCL), the sole state-owned gas transmission company, maintain that a pipeline is the most effective option compared to alternatives. After a comparative review was presented, the Prime Minister agreed to proceed with the pipeline route.

Concerns Over Depleting Reserves

Various assessments have highlighted that the country's existing gas fields are depleting. Integrating Bhola's gas into the national grid could provide some relief to the country's gas supply situation, according to stakeholders. However, the exact cost and technical complexities of the pipeline project have not yet been finalized. Following the government's in-principle approval, detailed planning and implementation phases are expected to unfold in the coming months.