All gas well drilling under Petrobangla has been suspended for 48 hours as a precaution amid heightened earthquake risk, officials said on Sunday.

The decision was taken on the instruction of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Petrobangla confirmed. Drilling, exploration and workover operations ongoing as of 8am on November 25 have been ordered to stop.

Petrobangla said the suspension aims to prevent potential damage to drilling and seismic survey equipment, and to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

It is dangerous to continue drilling during earthquake stress,” said Shamsunnahar, General Manager (Environment and Safety) of Petrobangla’s Operations and Mines Directorate. “So all drilling activities will remain suspended during this risky 48-hour window.

An official from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, requesting anonymity, said the decision came under the instruction of Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. If no further tremors occur within the 48-hour period, drilling operations will resume on the morning of November 25, he added.

Currently, Petrobangla is conducting exploration, workover and survey activities at eight locations.

Drilling at Sreekail-5, Habiganj-5, Kailashtilla-1, Beanibazar-2, Sylhet-11, Sylhet-10X and Rashidpur-11 has been suspended.