An uncontrolled gas flow and fire that emerged during the drilling of a deep tube well in Inani, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, have remained uncontrolled for 15 days. The deadline experts set to assess the situation has also expired, with observations suggesting the gas may be coming from a substantial underground reservoir rather than a temporary gas pocket.
A nine-member delegation from Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Ltd (Bapex) inspected the site in Chhotakhali area of Inani under Jaliapalong Union on Tuesday morning (10 November).
Hawladar Ahidul Islam, head of the delegation and a former Bapex general manager, said the 15-day observation period was intended to assess the sustainability and pressure of the gas flow.
“The gas has continued to flow at almost the same rate and pressure throughout the observation period. Allowing it to continue burning uncontrolled is therefore risky,” he said.
He said the immediate priority was to shut in the well safely and bring the gas flow under control. Once the well is secured, further steps will be taken to conduct geological surveys and assess the commercial potential of the gas source.
The gas was first detected on 27 October near the Chhoto Inani Bridge when drilling of a deep tube well began in the area. Gas started escaping at high pressure at a depth of around 1,000 feet before catching fire. The fire has been burning continuously since then.
The authorities have been monitoring the situation since the incident. Access within 100 metres of the site was restricted as a precaution, while the local administration, Bapex and Petrobangla officials have been keeping the situation under observation.
The prolonged fire has raised safety concerns among residents, particularly as the gas flow has remained steady and questions persist over its duration and how it can be controlled.
At the same time, the discovery of gas has generated excitement among residents over the possibility of a promising find.
Officials said determining the gas’s source and nature was essential alongside controlling the fire. Technical assessments will be needed to determine the volume of the gas reserve, flow characteristics, and future potential.
For now, however, ensuring safety and bringing the fire under control remain the top priorities.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
