Dhaka, Sept. 24 -- Russian company Gazprom is all set to get fresh gas-drilling job in Bhola island as Bangladesh bids for augmenting local output of the natural gas to lessen costly LNG imports, sources say.

A deal might be inked soon with the Russian gas-and-oil-exploration firm as prime minister's office (PMO) gave the green signal for awarding the job to drill five new onshore gas wells, Petrobangla chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker told the FE Saturday.

Sources say the deal-making on gas drilling may be done under the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, known as indemnity law in the fuel field, which bypasses usual tendering process.

The law has a provision of immunity to those involved with su...