U.S. oil major Chevron (CVX.N) and a joint venture of South Korea’s G S Caltex, will start drilling for hydrocarbons at a Bangladeshi gas field in October this year, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The firms had begun preparatory works for oil and gas exploration in located in southern Patuakhali district, 320 kilometres (200 miles) from Dhaka two months ago, Mohammad Hussain Monsur, chairman of the state-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation, or Petrobangla, told media.

Petrobangla said drilling of the well in the block would cost more than $20 million and the oil firms planned to drill two more wells there if the first produced positive results.

Steve Wilson, president of Chevron in Bangladesh, said last December the firm completed a seismic data acquisition program for the block and evaluation and data processing were under way.

“An exploration well is planned to be completed by 2011,” he said in a statement.

G S Caltex owns a 45 percent stake while Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, a subsidiary of Petrobangla, holds 10 percent carried over interest in this block.

Chevron is producing more than 900 million cubic feet of gas per day from three gas fields, almost half of the country’s daily gas output.

Eight foreign firms have been involved in gas exploration and production in Bangladesh.

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DHAKA,Bangladesh, May 16 (sources)- President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today gave separate messages on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) that falls tomorrow.

President Zillur Rahman said the government announced `Vision-2021′ to build an ICT prosperous digital Bangladesh.

He hoped that the target would be achieved through united efforts of all and observing the world telecommunication day successfully.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message said all service systems in civic life would be brought under modern digital system.

Appreciating the theme of the day “Better city, better life with ICT’s”, Sheikh Hasina urged all to work sincerely from their respective positions to build a digital Bangladesh.

She said the government is working relentlessly to build a digital Bangladesh developing IT based infrastructure, education, administration, management and human resources.

Sheikh Hasina said steps have been taken to extend optical fiber link up to union parishad level to establish quality ICT system in the rural areas.

Computer lab with IT facilities will be set up in each educational institutions, she added.

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We are hopeful that Bangladesh will overcome the infrustucture problems soon. With the new reformed political activies makes us hopeful.” HOPE ” Vision Is the basic thing to develop. Our Vision to generate smooth production. So we need infrustucture.
Energy is one of the key infrustucture element which is directly related with production as well as development.

In such mental mood we cann,t consider such a news like ” Bangladesh shuts fertilizer factories for lack of gas”
Bangladesh shut five fertiliser factories on Saturday to save nearly 250 million cubic feet (mmcft) of natural gas a day in the face of acute electricity shortages, a senior official said.
“The gas will be diverted to different power plants to produce more 500 megawatts of electricity,” said Mohammad Hossain Monsur, chairman of the state-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation or Petrobangla.

The country faces up to 300 mmcft gas and up to 1,500 mw of electricity shortages a day.

“The step will help to improve the electricity supply situation,” Monsur told reporters.

Last month the ministry of energy and power decided to stop gas supply to these factories and that would continue till the end of current irrigation season in June for Boro rice crop.

Bangladesh’s annual urea demand is around 3.0 million tonnes, of which the country produces 1.8 million tonnes and imports the rest, mainly from China, Tunisia, Australia and a number of Gulf countries.

Short supply of fertilizer often trigger violent protest by farmers.

In 2006 six people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between police and farmers over the urea shortage, in the country’s north.

Industries Minister Dilip Barua ruled out the possibility of fertilizer scarcity in the country following temporary closure of the fertilizer factories.

“Bangladesh will not face any shortages of urea as the country now has a stock of 500,000 tonnes of urea, almost double the quantity compared with last year,” he told reporters.
…………………..
What should we do ? What initiative can be taken in urgent basis? What is the policy makers strength on the policy that can overcome the situations immidiately.

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Bangladesh:This is really substantial that
Yafesh Osman Minister for Science, Information and Technology quoting (NSTM) told the House that there are 80 self-educated scientists in Bangladesh. (More : GURU)

He said the NSTM has taken measures to develop quality of the projects prepared by 15 self-educated scientists.

?Self-educated scientists may conduct researches at Bangladesh Science and Industries Research Council, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and any public universities through creating opportunities,? the state minister said.

SELF-EDUCATION:
Oscar Wilde once said, “Education is a worthwhile thing, but it is well to remember that nothing worth knowing can be taught.” Mr. Wilde may have overstated his case, but wise and well-read figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were almost entirely self-educated. Even if one has already obtained a degree, the process of self-education can be ongoing. With the vast amounts of information now available on the Internet, this process need not even require a walk to the library.
Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You’ll Need:
Internet access
Step 1Decide if there is a specific area or skill that you wish to learn.

Step 2Use search engines to research sources of information about specific topics. For example, the U.S. Government has developed an entire system of teaching languages for the Foreign Service Institute. These courses are in the public domain and readily available on the Internet.

Step 3 Explore the philosophy of self-education. One of the most widely read texts, “The Independent Scholar’s Handbook,” can be downloaded at no cost.

Step 4 Explore the world of podcasts and listen to lectures on an almost limitless list of topics by world renowned scholars.

Step 5 Explore the possibility of attending co
WOMEN AS SCIENTIST IN BANGLADESH>

?Women are in particular need of a stronger mindset and a greater voice in the workplace.?

Dr Shamima Akhter is a young scientist working in the Health Systems and Infectious Diseases division at ICDDR,B. Completing her medical degree from Rajshahi Medical College, after then she obtained an MSc in Health Economics from Dhaka University. She joined ICDDR,B in 1993 as a poverty and health research fellow in Public Health Sciences division, and is now working as a research scientist on several projects including studies on pneumococcal disease, tuberculosis, kala azar, and willingness-to-pay for zinc.

What was your inspiration to become a scientist?
Since my higher secondary education, I wanted to do something innovative in scientific research but my family circumstances resulted in my studying for a medical degree. Later on, I found a balance between my desire and family?s interests in public health research.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career development?
There are fewer opportunities in Bangladesh, for both furthering your education and your career. Quite often it is difficult to balance between income generation and professional development, and social barriers sometimes make the situation worse for women. For example, lack of part time job opportunities, social conditions for women to join evening courses, family support to continue education for career development etc.

What is the biggest challenge facing Bangladeshi scientists today?
I can only speak from the viewpoint of a young scientist, I have noticed some differentials according to age and gender. There is lack of mentoring for young fellows. Young scientists and female scientists tend to conform to socio-cultural norms whereby they are less likely to voice their concerns or articulate their needs, even in case of injustice. This often leads to a situation of taking advantage, sometimes extend to intellectual misuse. Women are in particular need of a stronger mindset and a greater voice in the workplace.

What does it mean to you to be a woman?
Being a woman is a great thing. I really enjoy being a daughter. I am lucky to have good parents (who although not overly educated, are very supportive of my ambitions). I also enjoy being a sister and aunt.

Name one woman who has inspired you?
My mother. She is so intelligent and so caring. She is also a decision maker in the family by herself, and without her support, I couldn?t have learnt to stand up for myself and to achieve what I have.

If you could change one thing for women in Bangladesh…?
I?d like to empower women but not in the way some activists are proposing; but from inside. Strengthen women by improving education, insight about life and social status. This will lead to improved decision-making ability (which is difficult to achieve but most important condition to acquire women empowerment).

How can we end violence towards women?
I?m not really sure. It?s a difficult problem to solve; I have thought about and have been unable to find an appropriate solution. Existing institutional help only gives legal support that most of the time leads to family dissolution. This is not always the most appropriate solution for the woman, especially for her children. Many of these affected women in our country are not self-dependent, and are least able to support themselves and their children. We need to find out alternative ways for solution but I?m not yet sure what that is. The solution virtually depends upon the partner?s realisation.

What are 3 words to describe the modern Bangladeshi woman?
The modern woman I dreamt should be educated, having self-dignity, and having a voice to raise issues of human rights.

Who is a good role model for young women in Bangladesh today?
Unfortunately most good role models in our country are politically involved. Geeti Ara Shafia Chowdhury (Caretaker Government advisor) provides a good example of leadership.

What is one lesson you would like to share with young scientists?
Get proper education in the field of interest and according to the ability you have. Then work very hard.

What is the next step in your career?
My goal in life is to be an independent woman and to be a very good scientist. I want to work and contribute to Bangladesh, not elsewhere. The next step in my professional development is a PhD in Health Economics

Shamima Akhter
Research Investigator
Health Systems and Economics Unit
HSID

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If an agreement on economic and technical cooperation with?china bangladesh can earn a lots of posibilities of?Foreign currency. The Port of Chittagong is the largest seaport in Bangldesh, located by the estuary of the Karnaphuli River in Patenga, near the city of Chittagong. It is a deepwater seaport dominated by trade in containerised manufactured products (especially ready made garments), raw materials and to a lesser extent passengers. It is one of the two main sea port of Bangladesh – most of the export and import of the country are handled via this port. If an agreement on economic and technical cooperation with?foreign country including china bangladesh can earn a lots of posibilities of?Foreign currency.

DHAKA (Reuters) – Bangladesh will persuade China to use Chittagong port as a commercial outlet for its southern Yunnan province, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said on Sunday.

The Bangladesh stance was announced nearly three months after Bangladesh had agreed to allow India, Nepal and Bhutan to use its two sea ports mainly Chittagong port.

“It will be a great achievement if China agrees to use our Chittagong port, which we want to develop into a regional commercial hub by building a deep seaport in the Bay of Bengal,” she told a news conference.

The offer for Chittagong port to Beijing will be discussed when Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits China from Wednesday on a five-day itinerary, Moni said.

The impoverished south Asian country has taken plans to build an $8.7 billion deep-sea port in three phases to raise bulk cargo handling capacity to 100 million tonnes and container handling to 3.0 million twenty-feet equivalent unit (TEU) containers annually by 2055.

Presently the port handles 30.5 million tonnes of bulk cargo and 1.1 million TEUs annually.

Port officials said when built the port would serve Nepal, Bhutan, southern China, Myanmar and the northeastern region of India.

To use Chittagong port China will need a road or railway link or both between Kunming, the capital of southern Yunnan province with Chittagong via Myanmar, Moni said.

Myanmar last year had agreed to expand a planned road project with Bangladesh to link up with China in a tri-nation network, another foreign ministry official said.?

Bangladesh and Myanmar signed a deal in July 2007 to construct a 25 km (16 mile) road to connect the two countries and construction will begin soon, officials at the Communication Ministry said.

The road project between Myanmar and Bangladesh is nearing completion, a senior foreign ministry official said on Sunday.

Chinese investment for Bangladesh’s energy and IT sectors, boosting trade and seeking assistance for building a $9 billion deep seaport and a $2.5 billion river bridge will be on top of Hasina’s agenda.

China is Bangladesh’s biggest trade partner with annual turnover worth more than $4 billion — with the balance heavily in Beijing’s favour.

If they agreed with our offer i think that bangladesh can use the port properly & also can have a lots of posibilities of foriegn exchange & trade.

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Bangladesh’s oil and gas authority said on Wednesday it had approved a plan by U.S. energy firm Chevron (CVX.N) to share its stake in a gas block with a leading South Korean oil company.
Bangladesh approved the U.S. firm’s plan to share almost half of its stake with GS Caltex [GSCAL.UL] to tying up the first ever Korean company for hydrocarbon exploration in Bangladesh,”But Chevron will remain as the operator of the block.
Confirming this to Reuters, Chevron said that GS Caltex would join it and state-managed Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) as partners in block 7.

“The agreement, approved by the Bangladesh government, results in GS Caltex assuming a 45 percent interest. Chevron is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest, and BAPEX a 10 percent interest,” the company said in a statement.

Chevron had submitted the proposal several months ago to Petrobangla.

Chevron has already conducted a 2D seismic survey covering 1,040 square kilometers, spending $14 million in 2006 and found prospecs there.

Chevron said it had also completed a comprehensive 3D survey in block 7 and was analysing data.

It has also started mobilizing equipment to initiate drilling in the field which might cost of $20 million to delineate hydrocarbon reserve potentials in the block.

Chevron supplies around 950 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd), which is almost half of the country’s total gas production of 1996 mmcfd.

Bangladesh suffers a daily gas shortage of up to 300 mmcf that has forced at least 300 manufacturing firms in the southern Chittagong area to halt operations, officials said. ($1=69.30 taka)
More about :
GS Caltex Corp., South Korea’s second-biggest oil refiner, has agreed to invest in a natural gas exploration project in Bangladesh to boost its energy assets overseas.

The company signed a contract to buy a 45 per cent stake in Block 7 in Bangladesh from Chevron Corp., Seoul-based GS Caltex said Sunday in an e-mailed statement, without saying how much it will pay for the holding, Bloomberg reported.

Chevron Dhaka Office confirmed to UNB that GS Caltex will join Chevron and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) as partners in Block 7.

They said the agreement, approved by the Bangladesh government, results in GS Caltex assuming a 45 per cent interest. Chevron is the operator and holds a 45 per cent interest and BAPEX owns 10 per cent.

Korean refiners including GS Caltex and bigger rival SK Energy Co. (KSE:096770) are expanding investments in overseas energy assets to diversify revenue sources and secure supplies on expectations that oil prices will rise as the global economy recovers. Crude oil prices have doubled in the past year.

GS Caltex in a statement said Chevron currently holds 90 per cent of the onshore block, while Bapex owns the balance. The South Korean refiner has won approval from the Bangladesh government for the investment.

GS Caltex, equally owned by GS Holdings Corp. (KSE:078930) and Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil company, has stakes in six exploration projects in countries including Russia, Cambodia and Thailand.

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nOW A DAYS Gas crisis is followed by the citizen. specialist is commenting that the CNG filling station is the reason.Power generation in Bangladesh is primarily from natural gas but not from coal due to enriched natural gas reserves in the eastern part of the nation. Coal deposits seem to be poor, and coal-fired plants must be relied on imported coal. From both technical and economical perspectives, to accelerate exploration and development of gas reserves in both onshore and offshore basins sounds more reasonable. Gas-fired power plants need gas for powering.

Analysis
Electricity shortage in Bangladesh has heavily influenced the economic growth. I had two trips to Dhaka recently and every time I experienced a few hours of darkness at the hotel. Fortunately this hotel has prepared a mini-power generator which can provide electricity at an emergency case.

Power generation in Bangladesh is primarily from gas-fired power plants. One exceptional coal-fired plant, to my knowledge, is the Barapukuria Power Plant in the northwest corner of the country, which was jointly constructed and operated by Chinese CMC (China Machinery Import and Export Company). Coal production in this country is very low, and in-situ power plant is limited. Domestic natural gas reserves have been believed to be adequate for both residential and industrial uses. Until recently, gas crisis in the capital city Dhaka has changed the story. Natural gas production starts declining, and gas shortage becomes an issue. Both government and congress realized the imperative needs of gas and coal for power, thus, at the very beginning of the new year, governmental delegations from Bangladesh started road shows in London and Singapore, to promote energy demands and investment opportunities.

From a technical perspective, Bangladesh shall be able to self-support with its natural gas reserves from offshore to onshore basins as geologists believe. However, lengthy administrative processing and politics have slowed the exploration and development of natural resources in the country. Even worse, some oil companies did not relinquish acreage without completing working obligation. No new reserves have been booked, and no new production was brought on stream. Thus people have to pay the price to suffer power shortage. It is reasonably believed to accelerate natural gas exploration to meet the demands of gas-fired plants seems to be more efficient than to use imported coal for coal-fired plants.

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Source :
Natural gas based economy of Bangladesh is in the grip of serious crisis due to growing deficit in national gas grid. Predominantly Mono fuel Power Generation can not remedy power crisis in short term, fertilizer production is also suffering for lack of supply to fertilizer plants. Not only industrial grown has completely stalled, operation of existing industries has become extremely difficult. Gas crisis has hit domestic and commercial consumers over gas distribution network. The national gas production capacity is about 2000MMCFD but the demand is about 2400MMCFD and is still growing. Transmission and distribution capacity further restricts gas supply. Gas and power crisis have also adversely impacted upon local and foreign investment. But a nation can not keep all fingers crossed like this indefinitely. Something needs to be done and done toady.

Before we suggest remedial measures to overcome present crisis let us have a bird?s eye view of the Gas system of Bangladesh. Government still controls almost 100% of the Gas system planning, development and operation. Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry controls every affair. There is a so called Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) which has mandate to regulate independently all energy sector activities excepting upstream of the petroleum sector. But for several years after commencement of activities BERC is not fully operational. Consequently private sector is not allowed level play ground in infrastructure v development and operation. BERC also remains old man house for retired beauracrats of the past. EMRD owns 100% share of several exploration, production, transmission, distribution & marketing companies of gas and two mining companies. Some International oil companies operate some gas fields in their assigned blocks under PSC with Petrobangla and Government.IOCs share Production with PB. PB has to buy IOC share of gas at much higher than Bangladesh price of gas. IOCs upfront investment is recovered from PB share of gas. Market price of gas is comparatively lower than IOC price which creates discomfort for PB companies in earning profit and reinvest in exploration and development activities. PB companies have to rely on fund from Government ADP or bilateral donor agencies and development partners. Service conditions are poor in Gas industries. For various reasons hundreds of qualified and competent well trained professionals have left PB company jobs for better opportunities abroad. Consequently all SOEs of gas sector have become weak and sick. These can hardly plan and implement any major projects or operate system professionally.

Petrobangla system operation is unbundled on functional lines. But there is o defined gas market structure. Petrobangla buys gas from IOCs. But marketing companies buy gas from national producers. PB Transmission Company GTCL owns, operators, develops and maintains National Gas Grid. It evacuates gas from national producers and IOCs. But GTCL has no contract with any one. Government arbitrarily decide wheeling charge for GTCL with out any economic basis. National Production companies doing same kind of works get much less price than IOCs for the gas produced. The following companies carry out specific tasks.

Exploration & Production

Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company (BAPEX)

Production:

Sylhet Gas Fields Ltd (SGFL).

Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Ltd (BGFCL)

Transmission

Gas Transmission Company Ltd (GTCL)

Distribution & Marketing Company.

Titas Gas Transmission & Distribution Company Ltd (TGTDCL).

Bakhrabad Gas System LTD (BGSL)

Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Ltd (JGTDSL)

Paschimanchal Gas Company Ltd (PGCL).

CNG & LPG from NG:

Rupantarita Gas Company Ltd (RPGCL)

Two new Companies are in the Offing

Karnaphulli Gas System Lid (KGSL) in Greater Chittagong

Sundarban Gas Company in Greater Khulna d Division.

Production Secnario:

According to Petrobangla Daily Gas & Condensate Production and Distribution Report 11-12 January 2010 the production capacity of 78 producing wells of 17 gas fields is 2000MMCFD. The production on the day was 1976.2 MMCFD. This production is about 276MMCFD higher than same time last year. Of the above 4 IOCs from 31 wells 6 gas fields produced 1050MMCFD of which Chevron alone from 20wells of 3 gas fields produced 895 MMCFD. Bibiyana alone produced 665.7MMCFD although PB states its capacity as 600MMCFD. Shangu Gas filed which until recently used to be main source of supply to Chittagong area producing about 140MMCFD now produces only 34MMCFD.Experts say unprofessional rate of production from Shangu has led to accelerated depletion of recoverable reserve of Shangu.

Three PB Production Companies on the other hand from 47 producing wells of 11 gas fields produced 925MMCFD against stated capacity of 957MMCFD.

Over the last 10 years very limited exploration activities have been carried out by IOCs and Petrobangla. The only discovery is a small Bhagura Gas field. BAPEX failed to explore any. Cairn and Chevron Spend 7 years cooling time over block 5, 7 and 10. Cairn deliberately delayed exploration at Magnama and Hatiya

Over the same period gas demand increased by 1000MCFD from 1400 in 1999. But gas production could only increase as Bibiyana, Moulavibazar and Bhangura came into operation. These deliver about 800MMCFD but production from several other fields Shangu, Benaibazar, Rashidpoor have gone down. The effective addition to national production is 600MMCFD. So the present capacity is now 2000MMCFD against coincident peak demand of 2400MMCFD.

This deficit situation could be avoided in PB Companies could complete their assigned gas field development works of ADB assisted Gas Transmission Development Project in Titas, Bakhrabad, Habiganj, Rashidpoor and Kaillastilla. Cairn should have completed exploration works at Magnama and Hatiya. BAPEX should have completed exploration at Sreekail, development of Semutang, Salda, and Meghna. About 300-400 MMCFD additional gas from all these efforts was very much possible from honest professional efforts. This gas by this time could allow generation of at least another 1000MCFD power and could supply gas to all other connected consumers.

Transmission System:

GTCL operated National Gas Grid Capacity started getting saturated by 2003. Sensing present situation in advance and acknowledging the development efforts of Chevron at Bibiyana GTCL suggested for setting up of Pipeline Compressor stations by early 2008 at Muchai and Ashuganj to evacuate additional production of northern Gas fields. There were specific reasons to set these up by 2008. GTCL in early 2005 also planned to carry out on-stream pigging of North ?South Transmission Pipeline and R- A l Loop line to retrieve transmission capacity of the system. But unfortunately neither the Compressor stations could be set up nor were the lines pigged. Evacuation of 650MMCFD gas in congested transmission Grid partially filled with condensate has caused massive low pressure problem on entire gas system.

We should try to understand natural gas unlike water is a compressible fluid. The transmission pipelines are designed to operate certain conditions. For N-S Corridor pipelines in National Gas grid these are

MAOP: 1076 PSIG and Terminal Pressure at Ashuganj Gas Manifold Station 850PSIG. Under this condition N-S Pipeline and R-A Loop Line can handle 420 +500 =920MMCFD gas without any pressure depletion at Ashuganj is pipelines were pigged regularly. Now two things have not been done pipelines were not pigged at all and no compressor station is available. In efforts to transport 1175 MMCFD through N-S Corridor Pressure at Ashuganj drops down to around 750PSIG. This causes low pressure at every load centre causing panic in gas franchise area.

Chittagong Area:

Anticipating the present situation in Chittagong judging from depletion of reserve from Shangu experts recommended constructing Loop Line from Bakhrabad ? Chittagong in early 2000. The other option was to push Cairn complete exploration at Magnama and Hatiya. But none of these happened. Shangu depleted from 140MMCFD to 35.Chittagong demand grew beyond 300MMCFD. National grid. National grid scenario can support only about 215 MMCFD to be diverted to Chittagong. So against a demand of 310-320MMCFD only 250MMCFD can be supplied to Chittagong. Moreover Chittagong Ring main capacity can only be partially utilised as a 20 inches Kalurgaht River Crossing section of the ring main has not be refurbished yet.

About 60MMCFD gas deficit of Chittagong is partially confronted either by shutting down CUFL or Raujan Power plant alternately. All kind of new connections have been kept suspended. Still the situation is deteriorating every day.

We can criticise BNP ? Jamat past regime for their non actions during their time. Yes they did not enough. But they could manage Chevron to develop Bibiyana and Moulavibazar Gas Fields, Manage Tullow to develop Bhagura Gas Field. But they neglected exploration; they did not give attention to Gas infrastructure projects. BNP- Jamat also pollicised gas sector management placing their own corrupt people displacing committed professionals.

But the present government in one year also failed to create any momentum in Gas sector. No credible movement are in view to increase gas production or expedite transmission infrastructure implementation. Present gas crisis is unbearable it is due to failure and inefficiency of Gas sector managers and political leadership.

In the last one year gas production has been theoretically increased by 200MMCFD. Demand must not have grown unless smart people added unauthorised connection. But then why consumers have to bear the burnt? Why CNG stations have to be shut down 2 days every week, why industries have to ration gas use? PM Hasina as Energy Minister must get reply from his Gas Sector managers and then tell people.

As Contingency measures the following actions must be taken immediately

Contingency Measures

Arrange to carry out On-stream Pigging of N-S, R-A and A-B Loop lines by March 2010. These will significantly improve Grid Pressure. Some Pig Cups can be flown in from Singapore or Dubai. Some fabrications at Scraper Stations can be accomplished within two weeks.
Professionally asses the reserve capacity of Bibiyana. It can supply @800MMCFD if some additional wells are drilled.
Shut down PUFF and ration gas supply by 5MMCFD each from ZFCL, UFFG and JFCL.
Carry out intensive drive in Titas system to disconnect delinquent Consumers.

These works must be done immediately as summer following the irrigation time will create more challenges.

For Chittagong there are no immediate relief. CUFL and Raujan are to be kept shut down alternately. But some mid term actions can be taken.

Resolve dispute with NIKO. It should increase production from Feni or quit returing the gas field to BGFCL.
Complete works of Semutang expeditiously.
Make Cairn Expedite exploration at Magnama and Hatiya.
Carry out feasibility of setting up Floating LNG Terminal beside Shangu Offshore platform

Mahajote Government and the nation must realise what damage militarisation and beauracratisation and finally politicisation of gas sector management has done.. If they follow the same route they can not bail out the sinking economy from the edge of ruins. Will any one listen to our SOS?

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Bangladesh and Myanmar came closer in demarcating the maritime boundary as the two neighbors have agreed on the principles of equity and equidistance for apportioning their territorial waters in the Bay of Bengal. The agreement came at the fifth technical committee meeting between the two countries held in Chittagong on January 8-9, Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes disclosed at a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry today (Saturday).

“This is a very positive development,” said the Foreign Secretary about the breakthrough that may head off the disputants from the international court of settlement into a bilateral deal on demarcation of the disputed area of the bay.

Myanmar earlier had not accepted Bangladesh’s proposal for demarcating the maritime boundary on equity basis. And Bangladesh went to the international court of dispute settlement with Myanmar as well as India, the other clamant on the continental shelf of the bay.

The Foreign Secretary Mohammad Mijarul Quayes hoped that the talks would now make progress since the criteria of demarcation have been worked out.

He said officials from the two countries would meet soon to demarcate the border in a way that would establish Bangladesh’s rights on its off-shore gas blocks.

Bangladesh sent a naval patrol to the disputed area in October 2008 after Myanmar began oil and gas exploration. Both countries also concentrated troops at strategic points along their 320-km (200-mile) border, partly demarcated by the river Naf. Myanmar withdrew its exploration teams and agreed to resolve the issue through talks.

Bangladesh had referred the issue to the United Nations for arbitration under the convention on the law of the sea

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source – AP:
Bangladesh has awarded three offshore blocks to two global energy companies to explore for gas in the Bay of Bengal, a senior energy official said Tuesday.

The U.S.-based ConocoPhillips and Ireland’s Tullow Oil could start exploration work by early next year, said Mohammad Muqtadir Ali, chairman of the state-owned Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation, or Petrobangla.

He said the decision came Monday from a Cabinet committee on economic affairs, the highest body to deal with economic issues, as the nation seeks new sources of gas amid a forecast that its current reserves will run out by 2014-15.

Ali, however, said the companies would not be allowed to explore for oil and gas in disputed waters, also claimed by India and Myanmar, in the Bay of Bengal.

“We will not allow them to work in the disputed waters,” he told The Associated Press by phone.

The official said the oil companies are expected to invest a total of $160.5 million in line with their initial bidding estimates for the exploration work. It will need years to complete the exploration job, he said.

Officials of the companies could not be immediately reached for comment.

Bangladesh has said it will fight internationally to establish its rights over the disputed waters, and is preparing to file its claims to the United Nations for a resolution. India and Myanmar claim the areas fall within their maritime boundaries.

Last year, Bangladesh’s military-backed interim government divided the country’s sea territory into 28 blocks in the Bay of Bengal and invited exploration bids, but failed to get much response apparently because of the dispute.

In November 2008, tensions mounted between Myanmar and Bangladesh after Myanmar escorted a South Korean gas exploration company into territory also claimed by Bangladesh. Both countries deployed their navies and finally ended the stand off with high-level diplomatic negotiations.

The government has recently asked energy authorities not to allow any new gas connections since the country is facing up to 250 million cubic feet in shortages of gas each day.

Currently, Sangu gas field, operated by Britain’s Cairn Energy, is the country’s lone operating offshore gas field.

Bangladesh has proven natural gas reserves of up to 15 trillion cubic feet.

Foreign companies have invested millions of dollars to explore and produce gas in deals with the state-run Petrobangla.

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