Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government is implementing an integrated action plan to pull the country out of the ongoing energy crisis caused by inadequate gas exploration over the years and dependence on imports.

"The energy sector was almost crippled by the plans adopted during the fascist government. The current energy crisis has resulted from years of inadequate domestic gas exploration and increasing dependence on imports," he said.

The Leader of the House made the remarks while responding to a supplementary question from lawmaker Selina Sultana during the question-answer session at the beginning of today’s parliament sitting.

Tarique Rahman said to overcome the energy crisis, his government has undertaken a number of initiatives. As part of its efforts to boost domestic gas production, he said, drilling and workover of 30 wells have already been completed under a programme covering 150 wells.

“Through these 30 wells, 140 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas has already been added to the national grid,” he said, adding, "Another 85 MMCFD of gas is expected to be added after the completion of seven ongoing wells.  Projects are being taken up in phases to drill the remaining wells."

The Prime Minister said the government has also undertaken a plan to conduct 4,500 line kilometres of 2D seismic surveys and 4,200 square kilometres of 3D seismic surveys to explore new domestic gas sources.

The process of procuring two new rigs is also underway to strengthen the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX), he said.

Tarique Rahman said the government has invited bids after approving the Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract (PSC)-2026, while the Onshore Model PSC is currently under approval process.

“Gas discoveries from offshore and onshore exploration will play a significant role in ensuring the country’s energy security,” he said.

On expansion of LNG infrastructure, the Prime Minister said negotiations are underway with interested companies to establish a floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom in the deep sea off Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar.

“We hope to be able to supply regasified LNG (gas) from the terminal by December 2028,” he said, adding, "LNG imports are expected to increase by another 600 MMCFD within the next two years."

Besides, he said, an initiative has been taken to conduct feasibility studies for establishing one or two new floating LNG terminals on an urgent basis in the Payra or Mongla port areas or along the coastal belt of the southwestern region.

“If the proposed floating LNG terminals are established, the country’s overall energy security will be strengthened,” the Prime Minister said.

The sitting began with Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram in the chair. The first 30 minutes of the sitting was allocated for the Prime Minister’s question-answer session.