All three gasfields operated by the US-based international oil company Chevron have larger reserves than expected earlier.

The indication was given by President and Managing Director of Chevron Bangladesh Steve Wilson.

“The data we've collected from the 3D survey in Moulvibazar field indicates that the reserve is significantly larger than it was expected,” he told reporters while having an informal get-together at a city hotel yesterday.

With the fields in Moulvibazar, Bibiyana and Jalalabad, Chevron accounts for about 45 percent of the country's total gas production of 1,900MMCFD (million cubic feet per day). Of the fields, Moulvibazar gasfield is producing 58.5MMCFD while Bibiyana produces 712MMCFD and Jalalabad 160MMCFD.

Wilson noted that the data are still being analysed by the computer system and it will take some more time to get the final outcome of the survey.

The 3D seismic survey was conducted at the Moulvibazar gasfield more than a year ago.

About the Bibiyana gasfield, Chevron's Bangladesh chief noted that the two internationally reputed surveyors conducted surveys at the field's structure and found a larger gas reserve.

After receiving the survey result, the US oil major enhanced gas production at the Bibiyana field to 700MMCFD from 600MMCFD.

The company has recently obtained the government's nod to move forward with a development plan to enhance its gas production to about 1200MMCFD considering the country's nagging energy crisis.

Replying to a question, Wilson said the enhancement would not affect the structure of the gas as structure's rock and sand support such enhancement.

He also said additional gas is being pumped to the national gas grid by increasing the processing capacity of the processing plant by its modification.

Citing the examples of two gas fields, Wilson said: “We believe the same will happen to Jalalabad gasfield as well. The field must be bigger than expected.”

Chevron is preparing to conduct a 3D survey at the Jalalabad gasfield and the government approved the company's plan to conduct the study in an expanded area of the field.

The company has also conducted a 2D survey at block-7, which is located in the southern part of Bangladesh. The gas block consists of onshore and offshore areas.

Wilson informed the press that his company is preparing to drill an exploration well at the block-7 in the last quarter of the current year.

As per schedule, the drilling will be completed early in the next year.

He opined that Bangladesh should emphasise on utilising gas for more value-added purpose like fertiliser production as power plants could be operated by coal.

About a question on the Chevron's contract for installing a gas compressor in Muchia area, Wilson said this compressor would enhance gas production by 60MMCFD.

Responding to another question, he said the Bibiyana gasfield is ready to feed two large capacity power plants for which the government initiated a move to set up the plants at Bibiyana field site. Each of the plants will have 300-450MW generation capacity.

Wilson expressed his company's interest to participate in the onshore gas block bidding, for which the government is thinking of inviting international tender.