Government has taken decision about Offshore Psc Under Unsolicited Deals. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was approved that file. Block 10, 11, 12, 16 and 21 will go that way.
Energy and Mineral Resources Division Secretary Nazimuddin Chowdhury confirmed that information. He told, “We are considering exploring oil and gas in offshore blocks on unsolicited offers under the Power and Energy Fast Supply Enhancement (Special Provision) Act 2010,”
He said that ministry is assessing the ways to explore oil and gas without any tender to increase natural gas supply in a fast-track mode.
Former special assistant to a caretaker government Prof M Tamim said undertaking any oil and gas exploration projects under unsolicited deals might raise questions in future.
He also said the government has adopted the Power and Energy Fast Supply Enhancement Act for small-scale and emergency projects. “But the government is now undertaking major oil and gas exploration projects under the act.”
“I am not in favour in such projects as those might encourage corruption and push the country in a great trouble in future,” Prof M Tamim stated.
Meanwhile, the government is likely to increase gas tariff for Norwegian company Statoil in three deep sea blocks by revising the Model Production Sharing Contract-2012.
US company ConocoPhillips discontinued it’s joint venture with Statoil last year. The company also relinquished deep sea blocks 10 and 11 on October 25, 2014, three and a half years after signing of contracts.