Oil found alongside gas at Inani, fire may take 15 more days to control: Bapex

Oil has now been detected alongside the gas escaping from a deep tube-well drilling site at Inani union in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar. The Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) says the fire, which has been burning for several days, may take at least 15 more days to bring fully under control and complete observation.

Bapex director (operations) Mohammad Sharif gave the information to reporters on Friday night (October 30) after visiting the site. “Initial observation shows the presence of liquid hydrocarbon, or oil, along with the gas. Samples will be collected and sent to a laboratory to confirm this. Only after the results come can anything be said definitively,” he said.

The Bapex director added that the underground gas layer is believed to extend roughly 2 to 5 kilometres. The plan, therefore, is not to rush to put out the fire but to bring it under control step by step with maximum safety. Before extinguishing it, the gas pressure, flow and safety aspects are being observed. “Trying to put out the fire in a hurry could create the risk of a major accident. Work is proceeding on expert advice, and the whole process may take about 15 more days,” he said.

The incident began at around 6 am on Tuesday, when gas suddenly burst out with great force from underground during deep tube-well drilling at the home of Mohammad Abdullah in the Chhotakhal area of Inani. A fire broke out within moments, and it is still burning.

Since the incident, the Fire Service, local administration, police, army and a Bapex expert team have been working at the site. The surrounding area is being kept under control for safety, and the public has been asked to stay at a safe distance.

Local residents remain anxious, and many are worried about the effect of the long-burning fire on the environment and public safety. Bapex says the situation is under round-the-clock observation and that necessary measures are being taken following international safety standards.

According to experts, if laboratory results confirm a significant presence of oil, it could open the way to fresh, broader exploration of the Inani area's geological potential. The fire that began during tube-well drilling is thus no longer only a matter of control; the laboratory results will also shape the next decisions about the area's energy prospects.