ONGC digs 578 wells in 2024-25, highest in 35 years: Hardeep Singh Puri

IANS June 21, 2025 301 views

ONGC has drilled 578 wells in 2024-25, the highest in 35 years, as per Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. The achievement aligns with PM Modi's push for energy self-reliance. Recent discoveries in Mumbai Offshore and KG Basin promise higher production. However, India still imports 85% of its oil needs.

"Giving new strength to oil and gas exploration, ONGC dug 578 wells, highest in 35 years" - Hardeep Singh Puri
New Delhi, June 21: Government-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has dug 578 wells in the year 2024-25, which is the highest in 35 years, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Saturday.

Key Points

1

ONGC's 578 wells mark a 35-year high

2

New Mumbai Offshore discoveries boost production

3

India aims for energy self-reliance

4

85% oil demand still met via imports

According to the minister, the bold decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 'No Go' area is giving new impetus to India's journey towards energy self-reliance.

“Giving new strength and direction to the exploration of oil and natural gas in India under the leadership of PM Modi, ONGC has dug 578 wells in the year 2024-25, which is the highest in 35 years,” Puri posted on X social media platform.

“Just like a strong foundation is required to build a building, similarly, to make India self-reliant in the field of energy, it is necessary to strengthen the exploration and production sector,” the Union Minister added.

Last month, ONGC said it has made new oil and gas discoveries in the Mumbai Offshore hydrocarbon basin that are expected to enhance the production of the upstream oil giant in the near future.

The discoveries, which have been named 'Suryamani' and 'Vajramani', have been struck in blocks awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) regime, the ONGC said in a statement issued as part of its January-March quarterly financial results.

Apart from Mumbai offshore, ONGC made another hydrocarbon discovery in the KG basin land block during the January-March quarter. The discoveries have provided hope at a time when India’s imports of oil and gas have been steadily increasing due to ONGC’s ageing oil and gas fields.

Currently, around 85 per cent of the country’s oil requirement is met through imports, positioning the country as the world’s third-largest oil importer. India’s domestic oil and gas production is centred in Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mumbai High and the Krishna Godavari Basin.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is excellent news! Energy security is crucial for our growing economy. The Mumbai Offshore and KG basin discoveries show we still have untapped potential. Hope ONGC keeps this momentum going 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While increased exploration is good, we must balance this with environmental concerns. The 'No Go' decision needs proper safeguards - our coastal ecosystems are already fragile. Development shouldn't come at nature's cost.
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Amit S.
Good progress but 85% import dependency is worrying. We need to invest more in renewable energy simultaneously. Solar and wind can reduce our oil import bills in long term. Why not both? 🤔
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Sunita R.
The naming of discoveries as 'Suryamani' and 'Vajramani' shows our cultural connection to energy resources. Hope these bring prosperity to the nation! More such indigenous efforts needed 💪
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Vikram J.
As someone from Gujarat where ONGC has major operations, I've seen how oil exploration boosts local economies. But companies must ensure proper compensation to affected communities. Development should be inclusive.
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Neha T.
Impressive numbers! But can we get transparency on how much this reduces our import bills? Public sector achievements should come with clear data on national benefit, not just statistics.

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ONGC Hardeep Singh Puri Oil and Gas Energy Self-Reliance Mumbai Offshore PM Modi