Excitement soars in Madarganj as Bapex confirms gas presence

Amid ongoing energy crisis, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) has discovered natural gas in the remote village of Tartapara in Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur.

The development has sparked widespread excitement across the region and renewed hope for national energy self-sufficiency.

Bapex officials believe the well may hold up to 400 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas. If confirmed, it could yield around 10 million cubic feet per day—gas that would be supplied directly to the national grid. The estimated market value of the find is a staggering Tk 16,700 crore.

Local residents, overjoyed by the find, say the project is not only a boon for the national economy but also a potential lifeline for regional development and job creation. “We have waited a long time for something like this,” said one Tartapara resident. “This could change everything for us.”

According to Mohammad Mozammel Haque, director of the Jamalpur-1 exploration well project, gas is currently being released from depths between 1,441 and 1,445 meters with a pressure of 7.2 million psi. Indications of gas were also found in layers above this level. Drilling has so far reached a depth of 2,600 meters, with plans to continue up to 3,000 meters.

Initial test results on the reserves and the potential presence of oil or other minerals are expected within 72 hours, Haque said. “There are many technical considerations, but once the analysis is complete, we’ll know the full potential of this site,” he added.

The discovery is the result of decades of exploration. A preliminary seismic survey in 1980 first hinted at the presence of gas in the area. More detailed seismic data was gathered in the 2014–15 fiscal year, followed by a closed-grid survey in 2015–16. Based on these findings, Bapex began drilling the Jamalpur-1 exploration well on January 24 of this year.

The project has a three-month timeline with an allocated budget of Tk 168 crore. If the gas find proves viable, Bapex believes it could open the door for further exploration across the Jamuna River.