Manavadar: Following a detailed survey conducted in 2023, ONGC is now actively exploring for oil and gas in Manavadar, Junagarh district, Saurashtra. This ambitious project could be a historic first for the company and India, which has, for now, depended on oil and gas from Assam and offshore oil from Mumbai high oilfields.
The company has started drilling within a 12 km stretch around Manavadar using state-of-the-art drilling technology.
“For the first time in Saurashtra, exploratory well drilling is underway. After the initial survey, we are now using the most advanced drilling technology available globally,” D.A. Subbaraju, Cambay Asset Manager at ONGC said in an interview.
The oil major has zeroed in on the spot after conducting detailed surveys across 500 square kilometers in Rajkot, Junagarh and Porbandar districts. The company had collected soil samples and analysed them in Vadodara. Based on the results, the company has started deep exploratory drilling. It has already reached 4000 meters (4 km) below the surface using precision machinery.
Massive potential for the economy
“If oil or gas reserves are discovered, it could completely change the fate of Manavadar. The demand for this region will rise, industries will return, and local employment will get a massive boost,” a senior ONGC official remarked about the potential of this project.
If ONGC succeeds in its efforts, this could help India cut down on the high import bill for crude oil. Currently, ONGC, RIL and other major refiners depend on imported oil for almost 85% of India’s needs.
If we do find oil in significant quantities, this could be a game-changer for the locals and the country as a whole. It would boost job creation, improve services and incentivise industries to set up in the region.
ONGC is currently conducting feasibility studies for a refinery in Jamnagar, on the lines of RIL’s mega refinery there. An oil find here could boost the company’s refinery prospects and cement Saurashtra’s position as an oil producer from an oil refiner.
