Oilfields

India’s quest for energy self-sufficiency is powered by a network of significant oilfields spread across its diverse geography. From the arid landscapes of Rajasthan to the deep waters of the Arabian Sea, these fields are the bedrock of the nation’s oil and gas industry. This guide provides an in-depth look at the major oilfields that are crucial to India’s economy and energy security.

1. Mangla Oilfield

• Location: Barmer District, Rajasthan
• Key Details: A landmark onshore discovery, the Mangla oilfield is the largest in a series of finds in the region, which also includes the Bhagyam, Aishwariya, Saraswati, and Raageshwari fields. It has positioned Rajasthan as a key oil-producing state in India.

2. Ankleshwar Oilfield

• Location: Bharuch District, Gujarat
• Key Details: As one of Gujarat’s most prolific onshore assets, the Ankleshwar oilfield has been a consistent performer for the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for many years. It is renowned for its high-quality crude oil.

3. Lunej Field

• Location: Near Anand, Gujarat, in the Cambay Basin
• Key Details: The Lunej field holds a significant place in India’s post-independence history as the site of the country’s first crude oil discovery. This event marked the beginning of a new era of hydrocarbon exploration in India.

4. Kalol Field

• Location: Panchmahal District, Gujarat
• Key Details: Situated in the industrial heartland of Gujarat, the Kalol field is another vital onshore asset in the Cambay Basin, contributing significantly to India’s domestic oil production under the operation of ONGC.

5. Aliabet Oilfield

• Location: Aliabet Island, Gulf of Khambhat
• Key Details: Located on an island approximately 45 km west of Bhavnagar, the Aliabet oilfield is an important offshore asset in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Khambhat, representing a key area for coastal oil exploration.

6. Digboi Oilfield

• Location: Tinsukia, Assam
• Key Details: The Digboi oilfield is the cradle of the Indian oil industry and holds the distinction of being India’s oldest continuously producing oilfield. Its legacy is a testament to the long history of hydrocarbon exploration in the country.

7. Mumbai High

• Location: 176 km west of Mumbai, Arabian Sea
• Key Details: As the largest offshore oilfield in India, Mumbai High is the flagship asset of ONGC. The field’s rock strata are from the Miocene age, and it remains the nation’s highest oil-producing asset, playing a pivotal role in meeting India’s energy needs.

8. Bassein Field

• Location: South of Mumbai High, Arabian Sea
• Key Details: Situated south of the Mumbai High field, the Bassein field is a massive offshore gas field that also produces a significant amount of oil. With production steadily increasing, it has become the second-highest hydrocarbon-producing field in the region.

9. Panna-Mukta Oilfield

• Location: About 100 km northwest of Mumbai
• Key Details: This offshore oilfield is a prime example of a successful joint venture, operated by a consortium of ONGC, Reliance Industries, and BG Group (now part of Shell). It has been a significant contributor to India’s oil and gas production.

10. Krishna-Godavari Basin

• Location: Onshore and offshore in the Krishna-Godavari river delta, Andhra Pradesh
• Key Details: The KG Basin shot to global fame with the discovery of one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves in 2003 by Reliance Industries. This basin is a hotbed of exploration and production activities for both oil and natural gas.

11. Ravva Oilfield

• Location: Offshore in the Krishna-Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh
• Key Details: The Ravva oilfield is a mature offshore asset in the KG Basin, known for its consistent oil and gas production. It is operated by a joint venture and stands as a model for the efficient management of oilfields.