Summary:
A preliminary geological survey has found an estimated 1.12 billion cubic metres of natural gas in Dailekh district, western Nepal. The survey was conducted by the China Geological Survey and CNPC Xibu Drilling Engineering Company through exploratory drilling at the Jaljale site. The initial findings suggest a large presence of methane gas that could potentially meet Nepal's gas demand for the next 50 years.

Drilling reached a depth of 4,013 metres, with core samples sent for laboratory testing. Chinese experts have taken rock samples back to China for further analysis to confirm the volume and quality of the gas. The final, detailed report is expected by December 2025.

Officials said this discovery opens the possibility for commercial testing and development, and further steps require intergovernmental agreements between Nepal and China. This could be a significant step towards Nepal securing domestic energy sources.

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