Due to the large gap between demand and supply, the government has to struggle to supply gas to industries and households, though the demand for fuel is low in the winter season. Discontent is increasing among businessmen and citizens.
It we think about the long-term energy security, the interim government should focus on oil and gas exploration in the sea area. There are a total of 26 blocks in the Bay of Bengal, 15 in the deep sea and 11 in the shallow sea. Though almost a decade after maritime boundary disputes settled with India and Myanmar, oil and gas exploration in the vast sea still remains elusive.
As reported, the current government had invited tenders for deep sea gas exploration. Seven multinational companies purchased tender documents but ultimately they did not submit tenders. It is necessary to find out why the foreign companies did not submit the tenders and call for new tenders.
The Awami League government, which was ousted in the July student uprising, had made the country dependent on imports without emphasizing the search for energy from domestic sources. For the interests of the vested groups, they made the power and energy sector largely import and foreign dependent. It became one of the sectors of corruption and money laundering. They also legitimized it by making the Immunity Act.
We consider the decision of the interim government to set up the plan to dig 100 more wells in the country from next year. Here the capacity of our national organization BAPEX in gas exploration and production should be properly utilized. However, BAPEX’s success rate in gas exploration is higher than foreign companies.
In order to speed up the national economy, a dynamic energy policy free from import dependence is needed, where energy security and interests of the country will be prioritized.
