IOCs asked to tighten security in gas fields

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A Z M Anas
The government has asked foreign oil companies to tighten security in and around all operating gas fields located across the country, officials said Friday.
They said the authorities of gas fields operated by international oil companies (IOCs) have been instructed to ensure safety of the key point installations (KPIs) in view of the "present situation."
Bangladesh's security has been volatile since the February 25 BDR carnage that killed more than 60 military and para-military officials.
The present government led by Sheikh Hasina is also fearful that 12 Islamic militant groups could launch attacks on the country's key installations.
All 28 operating gas fields, run by the government agencies and international oil com
panies (IOCs), are deemed to be KPIs on security grounds.
"We've issued a security alert," Energy Secretary Mohammad Mohsin said.
"Gas fields have put in place own security arrangement. In case of requirement for strengthened security, we deploy additional Ansar forces. If needed, army is also deployed. But the army deployment must be backed by the home ministry decision," Mr Mohsin added.
Energy division officials said state-controlled energy company Petrobangla issued last week a security alert to all IOCs operating in Bangladesh to be careful about potential "sabotage".
Petrobangla's request came days after the home ministry report said at least 12 Islamic militants are operating in Bangladesh and can cause massive devastation to destabilise the nation.
The country's gas structures, mainly located in Sylhet and Chittagong divisions, are "vital" national assets as power generation is overwhelmingly reliant on natural gas.
At least four international oil companies were notified about the possible threat.
The companies are US-based Chevron, British Cairn, Irish Tullow and Canadian NIKO.
It was not immediately known what security measures oil groups had taken following the request.
No representative of IOCs was immediately available for comment.
Last week, the cabinet asked law enforcement agencies to beef up security in nationally important establishments to prevent possible sabotage by terrorists groups.
Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad, however, did not receive phone calls seeking comments.
Over the years, IOCs have invested multi-million dollars in the exploration of oil and gas in both on-shore and offshore areas and playing a significant role in supplying gas to the national grid.
Gas output by foreign operators accounts for 968 mmcfd or 51.46 per cent of the total generation from 18 fields across the country, with the rest 912 mmcfd being generated by state-run entities.
Today, global oil giants account for over 50 per cent of Bangladesh's total gas output, with the second largest American oil company Chevron pumping 45 per cent alone. The California-based comnpany's output ranges from 600 to 700 mmcf a day.
Chevron, which took over Unocal's operations in Bangladesh, alone accounts for 80 per cent of the IOCs' total daily production with its giant Bibiyana gas-field feeding more than 25 per cent of the country's daily gas supply.
Irish Tullow is the second biggest supplier, feeding daily around 100 mmcf to the national grid.
The UK-based Cairn's share is 52-56 mmcf a day from its offshore Sangu Gas Field in the southern region.
The embattled NIKO is currently the smallest player, supplying less than 4.0 mmcf per day from its Feni plant.
The energy secretary said security would be strengthened in gas fields operated by Petrobangla's own companies.
"All are considered KPIs. Home ministry will take adequate safety measures in the fields run by both the government and IOCs," the top energy official said.