PetroBangla must minimize dependence on bureaucrats

The energy crisis in the country is gradually worsening. Many factories are shutting down due to gas shortages. Households are facing cooking issues. The energy crisis is also severely affecting the power sector. However, despite the intense energy shortage, there is little dynamism in the Bangladesh Oil, Gas, and Mineral Corporation (PetroBangla). Instead, the organization's pace is slowing down day by day. The reason for this is its reliance on bureaucracy.

According to a report published in the media on Saturday (November 23), PetroBangla, dependent on bureaucracy, is moving at a snail’s pace. The organization is wasting time with superficial plans and repeated meetings. In 2015, the supply of gas from domestic sources was 270 crore cubic feet per day; in the past 9 years, this has reduced to 222 crore cubic feet. The slow pace of domestic gas exploration and the focus on LNG imports has created a major crisis in the energy sector. The lack of gas supply is hindering industry, trade, and power production, causing the economy to fall behind. Along with stagnation in exploration, PetroBangla has failed in gas supply and revenue collection. Gas theft continues in industries under the guise of system losses. Despite some raids, the misuse of gas is not stopping. The daily demand for gas in the country is 420 crore cubic feet.

According to available information, six of the nine members of PetroBangla's board of directors are bureaucrats. Among them, the chairman is an additional secretary, and two joint secretaries are appointed as directors for administration and finance. Additionally, the board includes one joint secretary each from the ministries of finance, energy, and planning. Only three directors are appointed from PetroBangla's own staff.

Sources reveal that in recent years, PetroBangla has undertaken various plans, including the initiative to drill 100 wells and prepare for leasing gas blocks in the sea. However, very few of these plans have been implemented. Gas was found in several new and old wells in Bhola and Sylhet, but the amount is insufficient compared to demand. Since 2014, gas exploration in the sea has been stalled with a series of meetings, tenders, and plans. As a result, the country's energy sector is falling further behind.

Industry insiders say that for several years, PetroBangla has been run by bureaucrats. They claim these officials worked for the corrupt syndicates of the previous Awami government, neglecting public interest. Even after the government's fall, there has been little change in this sector; things continue in the same manner. According to them, if this trend continues, PetroBangla's plans will not achieve success in the next 4 to 5 years. To meet the country's demand, LNG imports will be the only reliance. However, given the financial crisis in the country, there are doubts about whether the government will be able to meet the demand through LNG imports.

Officials say that to make PetroBangla more dynamic, the reliance on bureaucracy must be reduced. This is because mineral exploration and extraction require skilled geologists and engineers. However, an additional secretary is appointed as the chairman, and they often aspire to become secretaries. They are less focused on important decisions or the organization's development, always looking to please the government instead.

We want PetroBangla’s reliance on bureaucracy to be reduced. Experts and skilled professionals in relevant fields should be appointed—those who will work sincerely for the nation’s welfare. If timely initiatives are not taken to increase energy supply, the country will fall into a deep crisis. At least 10 wells should be drilled as soon as possible. The public should not be misled with promises of drilling 100 wells. Drilling 100 wells in the next 10 years is nearly impossible, so such promises are unrealistic. We hope PetroBangla will take practical measures to soon overcome the country's gas and energy crisis.