Dailekh, Nepal — A preliminary geological survey has revealed the presence of over 1.12 billion cubic metres of methane gas beneath the surface of the Jaljale region in Dailekh district, Karnali Province. This marks one of the most significant natural gas discoveries in Nepal’s history and could dramatically shift the nation’s energy future toward self-sufficiency.
🔬 Groundbreaking Discovery from Deep Drilling
The discovery was made through an ongoing exploration initiative jointly conducted by Nepal’s Department of Mines and Geology and China Geological Survey (CGS). Initial findings from one drilling well confirmed the presence of 1.12 billion cubic metres of methane gas, while three other sites are estimated to contain an additional 430 billion cubic metres, pending further analysis.
This exploration project, which began in 2019, aims to uncover Nepal’s potential petroleum reserves and reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.
🛢️ Path to Energy Independence
Experts state that the discovered gas reserves could meet Nepal’s current domestic gas demand for over 50 years. If successfully commercialized, this breakthrough could not only reduce Nepal’s energy imports but even open doors to exporting natural gas to neighboring countries.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his satisfaction with the findings, calling it a “historic moment” for the nation. “This is not just a breakthrough in the energy sector, but a milestone toward Nepal’s economic independence,” he said.
🧪 Next Steps: Testing and Commercial Planning
Drilling operations have already reached 4,130 metres in depth, and core samples have been collected and sent to China for detailed laboratory testing. According to officials, the final exploration report is expected by December 2025. Based on the final analysis, plans for commercial drilling, processing facilities, and necessary legal infrastructure will follow.
🔚 Conclusion
The hidden energy reserves beneath Dailekh’s soil may well be the key to unlocking Nepal’s long-term energy security and economic transformation. With the final report expected later this year, the nation stands on the brink of entering a new era in energy independence and development.
Written by: Ganesh Bahadur Khatri
Sources: Kathmandu Post, Republica, The Himalayan Times, Rising Nepal
