BGFCL seeks Tk 2.45b to stop Titas gas seepage

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Bangladesh Gas Fields Company Ltd (BGFCL) has sought Tk 2.45 billion to stop gas seepage from Titas gas field in Brahmanbaria, reports BSS.
The issue will be discussed at a Pre-ECNEC meeting to be held on August 5. Matters relating to appointment of a foreign consultant as well as to identify the problem wells and list of services that might be needed to mitigate the problem will also be discussed.
Non-stop leakage of gas from Titas field has been continuing unabated for the last five years and efforts to contain it have gone in vain.
According to the local people, gas was leaking through more than 3,000 big holes, including some with 30-foot diameter, spreading to paddy fields, water bodies and the Titas River. Gas being spewed through some holes was burning with leaping flames.
Petrobangla has sought 120 million US dollars from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to address the issue.
Acting Chairman of Petrobangla Muktadir Ali told the news agency that over the last four years they had identified this project as a top priority one, but the ADB did not approve it.
Geologists assume that the field loses one to five million cubic feet gas per day since the start of the leakage five years back.
The authorities concerned did not take any effective measure to stop the leakage, they observed. The gas from the field still accounts for about 22 per cent of national production.
"We are going to seek consultancy services for identification of gas seepage, repair and servicing of existing problem wells at Titas with ADB assistance and under self-financing," Muktadir Ali said.