International oil and gas company Chevron on Tuesday hoped its three dimensional (3D) seismic survey at Moulavibazar gas field may lead to a 50 percent increase in gas reserves.

The US-based company's Bangladesh chief Steve Wilson indicated the prospect at a briefing to newsmen at Westin Hotel. He said the survey is extremely important for Bangladesh in view of the nagging gas and power crisis.

"We believe the additional gas may bring electricity to million houses in Bangladesh which are facing a severe gas and power crisis," he said.

Steve would not disclose the present reserves of gas in the Moulavibazar field under Block 14. Around 70 million cubic feet (mmcf) gas is now available per day from the field.

"The reserve position would be reported to Petrobangla along with development plan on completion of the seismic survey," he added.
About the on-going 3D survey in areas covering the environmentally protected Lawachhara forest Steve assured that it is carried out without causing harm to the living birds and animals.

Giving a brief description of the survey he said in every step clearance is taken from the departments concerned including the environment and forest.
"We'll do the survey only on the existing trails in the forest where a minimum number of manpower work only during daytime. Equipment light and man-potable will be used. No tress or branches shall be cut nor there will be noise".

He added: "We're fully aware of the environmental sensitivity and committed to work in an environment-friendly manner … Monitoring team will always be present during the survey."

Steve further said after the survey, directional well would be drilled, if needed, to avoid the forest area to extract gas.
Chevron's external affairs director Naser Ahmed was present at the briefing.

UNB Dhaka