Oil suspected as Inani underground gas blaze enters fifth day

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Oil suspected as Inani underground gas blaze enters fifth day

R Rafiq Mahmud（https://tob.news/author/writter57/）

- October 31, 2026 12:36 am • Updated: October 31, 2026 12:36 am

Photo: TIMES

An underground gas fire resulting from tube-well installation in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar has been burning continuously for over four days, with the flame colour prompting experts to suspect the presence of oil or condensate alongside gas.

Although initial observations suggest a shallow gas reservoir, the exact source and reserves remain unconfirmed.

In response, the Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (Bapex) have decided to conduct a close 15-day monitoring of the gas nature, emission rate, and geological conditions.

If the gas flow does not decrease within this period, authorities plan to drill a relief well using side-tracking technology to control the emission（https://tob.news/section-144-imposed-in-inani-after-gas-fire-at-tube-well-site/）.

Observation and technical evaluation

With continuous gas emissions raising fears of a major accident, the upazila administration imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, prohibiting public entry within 200 metres of the site.

However, curious crowds continue to gather daily despite the ban, escalating safety risks. A high-level joint team from Bapex and Petrobangla inspected the site on Friday evening to observe flame intensity, gas flow, and surrounding geological conditions.

Engr Md Shoeb, director (operations and mines) of Petrobangla, said initial observations point to a shallow gas reservoir, while the flame colour hints at oil or condensate, necessitating 15 days of close observation.

He added that a joint meeting was held on Thursday at Petrobangla involving Bapex officials and retired general managers, where it was initially assessed that the gas could be thermogenic and biogenic in nature.

Both emission rates and flame height will be reviewed during the monitoring period.

Side-tracking and seismic survey

He explained that if flame height increases or stays unchanged after 15 days, a relief well will be drilled using globally established side-tracking technology to control the main gas flow, though earlier reductions in flow could prompt alternative decisions.

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