Exploration and Production
Chevron supports Bangladesh's goal of maximizing the nation's energy potential by actively investing in projects that deliver more gas to Petrobangla, the national oil company. We have developed natural gas production in three fields: Jalalabad, Moulavi Bazar and Bibiyana. In 2011, total daily production averaged 915 million cubic feet of natural gas (434 million net) and 4,000 barrels of condensate (2,000 net). Condensate is liquid hydrocarbon produced with natural gas.
In 2011, the Muchai compression project reached mechanical completion. Startup is expected in the second quarter of 2012. The project supports additional production from the Bibiyana, Jalalabad and Moulavi Bazar natural gas fields.
Producing Natural Gas in Jalalabad
Chevron operates the Jalalabad gas field in northeastern Bangladesh under a production-sharing contract with Petrobangla, to whom the processed natural gas is sold. Condensate from the field is used to make products such as gasoline and diesel fuel.
Since its inception in 1999, Jalalabad has doubled its production to meet the growing energy demand in the country. The field is one of the most cost-effective sources of energy for Bangladesh and has been in production since 2001.
Delivering Energy Efficiently in Moulavi Bazar
Chevron produces natural gas from the Moulavi Bazar Field in Block 14, in northeastern Bangladesh, under a production-sharing contract with Petrobangla. The field has operated since 2005.
Putting Innovation to Work in Bibiyana
The Bibiyana Expansion Project began front-end engineering and design work in July 2011. The project is expected to include a gas plant expansion, new development wells and an enhanced liquids recovery unit, with an estimated total maximum daily production of 57,000 barrels of oil-equivalent. A final investment decision is expected in mid-2012.
Discovered in 1998, the field is one of the most significant natural gas discoveries in Bangladesh, in both quality and size of the reserve. Chevron signed a gas purchase and sales agreement with Petrobangla in 2004. The original development program included a natural gas processing plant with a capacity of 600 million cubic feet per day and a natural gas pipeline to connect the field to the national natural gas transmission grid. Bibiyana began producing natural gas in 2007.
In 2009, an independent reserve redetermination study conducted by petroleum industry consultants DeGolyer and McNaughton concluded that the field contains a much larger reserve than originally thought.
In 2011, Chevron relinquished its interest in Block 7 following the completion of an unsuccessful exploratory well.
Updated: April 2012
Cautionary Statement