Gas Fire from Ukhiya Tubewell Drilling May Subside Within 15 Days: Petrobangla

Authorities expect the fire that broke out as gas escaped from underground during deep tubewell drilling in Ukhiya, Cox's Bazar, to subside naturally within the next 15 days. Petrobangla gave the information in a press release on Sunday.

According to the release, the incident took place on 27 October near the Chhoto Inani bridge in Jaliapalong Union of Ukhiya upazila. While a deep tubewell was being installed there, gas suddenly began escaping from underground after drilling reached a depth of one thousand feet, and at one stage it caught fire.

The release said that if the flow of the fire does not decrease within the set time, steps will be taken with the help of an expert team to extinguish the fire by alternative means and stop the gas emission.

Immediately after the incident, two geologists from the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) were sent quickly to the scene. They are staying there and closely monitoring the overall situation.

On the advice of experts, the gas is for now being allowed to escape in the open so that the fire does not spread to the surroundings.

As a safety precaution, public access has already been prohibited within 100 metres around the site. The local administration has taken all necessary measures to maintain law and order.

At the same time, Petrobangla, BAPEX and the local administration are carrying out round-the-clock joint monitoring to keep the situation under control.

Meanwhile, necessary exploration activities, including geological surveys and 2D seismic surveys, have begun to determine the possible natural gas reserves in the area.

The release requested local people not to panic over the incident and to cooperate with the authorities concerned.