New Delhi, Jan 14: India has reached a major milestone in its oil sector. The Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced the discovery of light crude oil in an onshore hydrocarbon block in Abu Dhabi. This discovery, made by Urja Bharat PTE Ltd—a joint venture involving Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat PetroResources Ltd—was confirmed in two areas: the Shilaif play (XN 76) and the Habshan reservoir (XN 79 02S).
This finding marks a significant step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency, a key goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It underscores the technical skill and capability of Indian teams in the field of energy exploration.
In addition to international exploration, India is enhancing its domestic efforts. Seven sedimentary basins are currently under detailed study, and the launch of Mission Anveshan aims to cover 20,000 kilometers for seismic surveys—over 8,000 kilometers of which have already been completed. This initiative should strengthen India’s position in the global energy market.
Indian offshore oil exploration has also seen significant growth. With 99% of ‘No-Go’ zones cleared, opportunities have expanded under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP). This program has attracted interest from global energy companies. Presently, there are 154 active exploration blocks in India, with 14 discoveries made recently.
According to recent data from the Ministry of Petroleum, India aims to double its oil production by 2025. The country’s energy demand is expected to surge by 45% over the next two decades. As a result, these exploration efforts are more critical than ever for ensuring a stable energy future.
Furthermore, user reactions on social media have been mixed, with some celebrating the discovery as a step towards self-sufficiency, while others express concerns over environmental impacts. As the country navigates this balance, experts advise prioritizing sustainable practices alongside exploration.
For more in-depth information on energy policies, check out reports from credible sources like the International Energy Agency.
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