7 MMCFD output likely as drilling at Noakhali  gas well starts

 Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) has officially started drilling the Sundarpur-4 appraisal-cum-development gas well in Senbag upazila of Noakhali, raising hopes of boosting the country’s natural gas supply.

According to BAPEX Deputy General Manager (Drilling) and Drilling In-Charge Zakir Hossain Khan, the drilling operation formally began on Tuesday afternoon and is now underway. He confirmed the development on Wednesday.

The new well is located in Boro Charigaon village under Nabipur Union of Senbag. Although the site is around 12 to 13 kilometers from the Sundarpur-2 well in neighboring Companiganj upazila, it has been named Sundarpur-4 because it belongs to the same underground gas reservoir. BAPEX had previously drilled three wells—Sundarpur-1, 2, and 3—in the Sirajpur area of Companiganj.

Project officials said the well has a planned depth of approximately 1,600 meters, with the potential gas-bearing zone expected at around 1,361 meters. BAPEX aims to complete the drilling work within the next two months.

After drilling is completed, a Drill Stem Test (DST) will be conducted, a process expected to take an additional 15 to 20 days. The final assessment of the well’s commercial viability is therefore expected within about two and a half months.

While the total size of the gas reserve cannot yet be determined, BAPEX officials are optimistic based on data from nearby wells. Preliminary assessments suggest the new well could produce between 5 million and 7 million cubic feet of natural gas per day (MMCFD) if drilling proves successful.

Preparatory work for the project began earlier this year. Following land acquisition and infrastructure development, the drilling rig was installed at the site in late April. With all technical preparations completed, BAPEX officially launched drilling operations this week.

Officials believe the successful development of the Sundarpur-4 well would make a valuable contribution to Bangladesh’s national gas grid, helping strengthen domestic energy supplies at a time when the country is seeking to reduce dependence on imported fuel and enhance energy security.