Chinese company confirms methane deposit in Jaljale of Dailekh

By Yamraj Bista,Dailekh, June 20: Preliminary survey of petroleum resources in Jaljale, located in Bhairabi Rural Municipality–1 of Dailekh, has confirmed the presence of methane gas. 

According to initial data, there could be approximately 112 billion cubic metres of methane gas in Jaljale.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari said that as per the agreement between the governments of Nepal and China, the results of the preliminary report are expected to significantly contribute to improving the country’s economic condition. 

He informed that the Chinese technical team confirmed the presence of natural gas at the drilling site, sufficient to meet Nepal’s needs for 50 years.

Chief District Officer of Dailekh, Badrinath Gaire said that if the survey proves successful, it would improve the country’s economic status. 

He added that a large number of employment opportunities are expected to be created. 

He said that according to the preliminary report, the confirmation of 112 billion cubic metres of methane gas in Jaljale has increased the country’s economic prospects. 

He clarified that this not only holds potential for the district but also indicates possibilities for commercial production nationwide, which will help advance the country’s economic and productive activities.

Similarly, President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dailkeh Narendra Bahadur Thapa said that the confirmation of gas from the preliminary petroleum exploration is good news for the district. 

He mentioned that employment opportunities at the local level will increase, an industry-friendly environment would be created, and petroleum exploration would bring economic prosperity to the district. 

He also claimed that this project, initiated during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s tenure, could transform Nepal from an importer to an exporter of petroleum products.

China’s CNPC Xibu Engineering Company began drilling on May 11, 2023, over 4,013 metres beneath the surface in Jaljale. 

An agreement for financial and technical support worth Rs. 2.4 billion was signed with the Chinese Geological Survey Company. 

The China Geological Survey Company is preparing to submit its final report by December 2025. 

The federal government has approved the acquisition of 45 ropanis of land to carry forward the petroleum survey work.