Bhola Ilisha-1 gas well can supply 20 mmcfd

The state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Ltd (Bapex) has discovered new gas reserve in the second layer of Ilisha-1 well in Bhola, said sources.
Bapex carried out drill stem test (DST) in the second layer at a depth between 34,068 metres and 34,085 metres. It found presence of significant gas reserve there, Mohammad Ahsanul Amin, project director of Bhola three well drilling project, told the FE on Sunday.
He said gas is now flowing at around 16 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) from the well on test basis.
The country's lone oil and gas exploration company has planned to carry out another DST at further below the surface within the next couple of weeks.
It has estimated to have a reserve of around 200 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas in the Ilisha structure.
But actual reserve of the structure could be ascertained after carrying out final DST and assessing necessary geological data, Mr Amin said.
Some 20 mmcfd of gas could be supplied from the Ilisha-1 well after completing work on the process plant and laying necessary pipelines, said Alamgir Hossain, Bapex Geological Department general manager.
Bapex discovered the Bhola gas-field several years back, where all these three onshore gas-wells are located.
The company initiated drilling at the Ilisha-1 well in March. It has been carrying out three wells drilling programme after awarding the drilling job to Russian state-run oil and gas exploration company Gazprom.
Bapex has been providing necessary design and instructions to Gazprom to carry out the drillings.
Gazprom previously completed drilling of the Bhola North-2 and Tobgi-1 wells and initiated flow of natural gas from the wells too.
The Russian firm obtained the contract to drill three wells -- Tabgi-1, Bhola North-2 and Illisha-1 -- at a total cost of around US$ 77.18 million (Tk 6.48 billion).
Gazprom was selected for the drilling job under the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) (Amendment) Act 2010, which has a provision of immunity to those involved with a quick fix.
Gazprom has drilled a total of 17 onshore wells in different parts across the country since 2012.

Azizjst@yahoo.com