Has ONGC Really Dug 578 Wells in 2024-25, the Most in 35 Years?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ONGC has drilled 578 wells in 2024-25, the highest in 35 years.
- This initiative is a pivotal step towards energy self-reliance.
- New discoveries in the Mumbai Offshore and KG basin are promising for future production.
- India imports about 85% of its oil.
- ONGC's advancements are crucial for national energy security.
New Delhi, June 21 (NationPress) The state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has successfully excavated 578 wells during the fiscal year 2024-25, marking the highest count in 35 years, as announced by Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Saturday.
The minister highlighted that the bold initiative taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning the 'No Go' zones is significantly propelling India's quest for energy independence.
“Under PM Modi's guidance, ONGC has achieved the remarkable feat of drilling 578 wells in 2024-25, the most in 35 years,” Puri noted on the X social media platform.
“Just as a solid foundation is essential for constructing a building, strengthening the exploration and production sector is vital for making India self-sufficient in energy,” the Union Minister further stated.
Recently, ONGC reported new oil and gas discoveries in the Mumbai Offshore hydrocarbon basin, which are anticipated to boost production for the upstream oil giant shortly.
The recent finds, dubbed 'Suryamani' and 'Vajramani', were located in blocks allocated under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), as per a statement included in ONGC's quarterly financial results for January-March.
In addition to the Mumbai offshore discoveries, ONGC also made a significant hydrocarbon find in the KG basin land block during the same quarter. These discoveries come as a beacon of hope at a time when India's oil and gas imports have been consistently rising due to the aging fields managed by ONGC.
At present, about 85 percent of the nation's oil needs are fulfilled through imports, making India the third-largest oil importer globally. The domestic production of oil and gas in India is concentrated in regions such as Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mumbai High, and the Krishna Godavari Basin.