CUMILLA, Mar 14, (V7N) – State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit on Saturday expressed confidence that Bangladesh will achieve significant self‑sufficiency in the energy sector during the tenure of the current government.

He made the remarks after inaugurating gas supply from the Srikail‑5 appraisal and development well to the national grid, calling the day “particularly significant” as new domestic gas was added during the holy month of Ramadan. He said the addition comes at a time when global energy supply chains are strained due to instability in the Middle East.

Amit said BAPEX engineers and officials have enabled the supply of 8 million cubic feet of gas per day from Srikail‑5. Drilling began on September 28 last year and was completed on January 1, 2026, at a cost of Tk 132 crore. The well is estimated to contain 40 billion cubic feet of gas, of which 28 billion cubic feet is recoverable.

The expected output over the next decade is valued at Tk 6,832 crore at current market prices. The minister noted that importing the same amount would have placed heavy pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He said the government has set a target of supplying 82 million cubic feet of gas to the national grid under its future plan, calling it a “realistic action plan.”

He thanked residents of Mukhlespur and Muradnagar for their cooperation and said the government is working to reduce import dependence by utilising domestic resources. He added that Bangladesh aims to meet a significant portion of its gas demand from local production within the next five years, ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Petrobangla Chairman Md Ifanul Haque. Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, local dignitaries, senior officials of BAPEX and Petrobangla, and media representatives were present.

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