Inani Gas Field Discovery: BAPEX Hints at High Hydrocarbon & Condensate Presence
A continuous, uncontrolled fire originating from a deep tube well boring pit near the Inani small bridge area in Jaliapalong Union, Ukhia, Cox’s Bazar, has burned unabated for four days since October 27. The incident, sparked during tube well drilling at a depth of about one thousand feet on Md. Abdullah’s property, has triggered significant alarm among residents. The unrelenting intensity of the flames, accompanied by strong gas odors and periodic underground popping sounds, has heightened fears of potential explosions and localized soil shifts or landslides.
Analyzing site evidence, the Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) reported high levels of hydrocarbons and condensate. S.M. Nafifun Arham, Manager and Head of the Geological Survey Team at Bapex, explained that unlike shallow, biogenic gas found in regions like Shahbazpur in Bhola, which typically surfaces with water, the Inani emission features valuable light petroleum liquid condensate. This points to high-pressure thermogenic gas originating from deep subterranean strata, though he emphasized that comprehensive laboratory analysis is required for formal discovery confirmation.
Experts note that during drilling, the deep strata gas likely escaped through underground fissures and weak layers, subsequently igniting upon encountering an unknown spark. Bapex delegations inspected the site on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, though direct gas sampling proved unfeasible due to the high emission flow and intensity. While initial assessments suggest the area could potentially emerge as Bangladesh’s 31st gas field, officials maintain that final verification depends entirely on detailed geological surveys and laboratory testing.
In response to escalating hazards, local authorities have moved swiftly to secure the perimeter and protect nearby communities. Ukhia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Panna Akhter announced that Section 144 has been imposed, cordoning off a 200-meter radius with barbed wire fencing and red flags. Additionally, the adjacent LGED road has been temporarily closed to traffic, forcing residents to use alternative routes while multiple police and fire service units remain deployed round-the-clock.
Shamsul Alam, Member of Ward No. 6 of Jaliapalong Union, highlighted the mounting local anxiety, stating that the fire’s intensity continues to grow while occasional explosion-like sounds and soil shifting are observed nearby. Echoing these safety concerns, Dolon Acharya, Senior Station Officer of the Cox’s Bazar Fire Service and Civil Defense, warned of ongoing explosion and landslide risks, confirming that firefighting teams will maintain continuous watch until the site stabilizes.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. Abdul Mannan further cautioned that severe risks persist around the gas emission site near the Choto Inani canal area, urging all residents and visitors to keep a safe distance. While the discovery potential offers fresh optimism for the nation’s energy sector, authorities stress that immediate priorities remain controlling the active fire, closely monitoring emissions, and safeguarding surrounding lives and properties.
