Bangladesh Halts Gas Drilling for 48hrs Over Quake Risk

Bangladesh has suspended all gas well drilling under Petrobangla for 48 hours as a precautionary measure amid heightened concerns over potential earthquake activity, officials confirmed on Sunday.

The directive came from the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, prompting the immediate halt of all drilling, exploration and workover activities underway as of 8am on 25 November.

According to Petrobangla, the temporary shutdown is intended to safeguard workers, protect sensitive drilling equipment and reduce the risk of damage during a period of elevated seismic stress.

“It is dangerous to continue drilling during earthquake stress,” said Shamsunnahar, General Manager (Environment and Safety) of Petrobangla’s Operations and Mines Directorate. “Therefore, all drilling activities will remain suspended during this risky 48-hour window.”

An official from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the directive was issued under the instruction of Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. If no further tremors occur within the period, operations are expected to resume on the morning of 25 November.

Petrobangla is currently engaged in exploration, workover and survey operations at eight sites. Drilling at Sreekail-5, Habiganj-5, Kailashtilla-1, Beanibazar-2, Sylhet-11, Sylhet-10X and Rashidpur-11 has been temporarily suspended.