By Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo

HABIGANJ, Feb 18, 2024 (BSS) - Minister of State for Electricity, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said that the American company Chevron showed keen interest to engage in offshore oil and gas exploration.

"The US-based company was also wants to increase its participation in the development work of Bangladesh. So far they were only working on oil and gas extraction on land, now they are interested in oil and gas exploration in the sea," he made this comment after visiting Bibiyana gas field here this evening.

Nasrul Hamid held a meeting with top officials of the Chevron Bangladesh as part of his three-day official visit in Sylhet region at its gas plant.

During the meeting, lawmaker Amatul Kibria Keya Chowdhury, Petrobangla Chairman Janendra Nath Sarkar, Deputy Commissioner of Habiganj, Sylhet Gas Field Company Managing Director Mizanur Rahman, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Managing Director Engineer Harunur Rashid Mollah and Bapex Managing Director Md Shoaib were present.

"Chevron has been working in Bangladesh for 28 years. Now they are also interested in working in the sea. Chevron has collected the data and wanted to participate in the tender," Nasrul Hamid said.

President and Managing Director of Chevron Bangladesh Eric M Walker said, "We are checking the offshore seismic survey data and interested in offshore oil and gas exploration."

Nasrul Hamid said that Chevron has been working in Bangladesh for a long time, adding, "Chevron uses world-class safety and security methods".

Chevron supplies about half of the country's gas required. Once upon a time it supplied up to 1,400 million cubic feet of gas per day. Now the production has decreased to 1,100 million cubic feet, which will also decrease further. However, production will increase by 2027, and it will reach 1,400 million cubic feet by 2031.

Chevron expects large reserves to be found in the area. It will dig multiple wells. Bibiyana is able to extract more gas even from low reserves.

Replying to a question, the state minister said, "I have asked local companies including Sylhet Gas Field to use their technology in coordination with Chevron."

Earlier, he inaugurated gas supply from Well-2 and well-9 of Rashidpur Gas Field, It will supply more than 18 million cubic feet of gas per day.