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.
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.
He further informed that gas is also burning from nearby geological layers due to structural changes in the ground. Bapex will later conduct a 3D seismic survey to evaluate reserve potential, and new drilling initiatives will follow if economically viable reserves are found.
Shamsia Muktadir, general manager of the geological department of Bapex, said Bapex possesses the necessary experience and capacity to handle the situation under its own management.
However, she noted that critical safety decisions are vital as an untoward accident could occur at any time.
Section 144 and safety zone
According to upazila administration sources, tube-well drilling began around 7:00 am on 27 October near Inani Chhotokhal Bridge in Ward 6 of Jaliapalong Union. Gas emitted and ignited after pipes reached a depth of nearly 1,000 feet.
Fire service units initially worked under upazila supervision before Bapex technical teams arrived to inspect and offer guidance upon recognising potential underground reserves.
An emergency meeting was held at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Thursday (29 October) to establish safety zones and precautionary measures.
Subsequently, Panna Akter, upazila executive officer (UNO) and executive magistrate of Ukhiya, issued an order banning entry within 200 metres until further notice.
The order also prohibited lighting fires, smoking, or using matches, lighters, and spark-generating items, warning of legal action against violators.
To enforce the restriction, public announcements were made, and barbed wire fences with red flags were set up.
Despite these measures, crowds grew after 4:00 pm on Friday, with visitors taking photos and videos, creating severe challenges for law enforcement forces attempting to maintain order.
Public panic and travel disruption
Local residents expressed growing panic over the situation.
Chhaiyad Alam, a local resident, said Bapex originally indicated a 72-hour timeframe, but the fire’s intensity has been increasing day by day, prompting calls for swift government intervention.
Belal Uddin, another resident, noted that traffic disruptions on both sides of the road are forcing risky journeys and creating severe hardship for school students.
Shahidul Alam, another resident, added that Section 144 was imposed three days after the incident, yet crowds continue bypassing barbed wire, generating significant security hazards.
The ongoing gas emission at Inani presents dual concerns: the potential discovery of valuable underground gas and oil reserves against the looming danger of a catastrophic accident.
Officials hope the 15-day monitoring will yield crucial data, though maintaining safety perimeters and managing curious crowds remain the primary challenges.
