In a significant development for India’s energy sector, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, announced the commencement of gas production from the Bakhritibba DSF-III (Discovered Small Field) block by Oil India Limited (OIL) in Western Rajasthan. The milestone marks a critical step in advancing India’s journey toward energy security and self-reliance.
Located in the arid terrains of Jaisalmer district, the Bakhritibba block is now delivering 67,200 Standard Cubic Meters per Day (SCMD) of natural gas to GAIL (India) Limited and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVUNL). The production capacity is set to be enhanced to 100,000 SCMD (100 MSCMD) in the coming months, underlining OIL’s capacity to scale operations efficiently.
The project has been executed under the DSF-III bidding round, which was launched by the Government of India to monetize smaller, previously untapped oil and gas reserves. OIL achieved early monetization of the block by successfully drilling three wells under the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) within the stipulated development period – an achievement hailed by the minister as a benchmark for operational efficiency in the sector.
“Every hydrocarbon molecule produced fuels India’s march towards energy security and self-reliance,” said Minister Puri. “This milestone is a testimony to Oil India Limited’s resilience, resolve, and responsibility- delivering energy in one of the most challenging frontier environments in the country.”
Commending the on-ground teams, the Minister added, “I salute the tireless efforts of the OIL personnel who brave harsh desert conditions daily to keep India’s energy lifelines flowing.”
Key Highlights
- Block Name: Bakhritibba (DSF-III)
- Location: Jaisalmer district, Western Rajasthan
- Operator: Oil India Limited (OIL)
- Initial Gas Production: 67,200 SCMD
- Targeted Enhanced Production: 100,000 SCMD (100 MSCMD)
- Gas Off-takers: GAIL (India) Ltd and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVUNL)
- Wells Drilled: 3 (under Minimum Work Programme)
This successful development further consolidates OIL’s role as a key national player in upstream energy production. It also supports India’s broader strategy to reduce import dependency and harness domestic hydrocarbon potential through policy-driven exploration initiatives like the DSF rounds.
Background
The Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy, introduced in 2015, aims to unlock hydrocarbon resources in smaller and previously uneconomical oil and gas fields by offering them to capable operators through transparent bidding processes. The DSF-III round was launched in 2022 and has since led to multiple operational successes across the country.
As India continues to diversify its energy portfolio, initiatives like the Bakhritibba block project reflect the nation’s commitment to bridging demand through domestic production and achieving long-term energy sustainability.
About OIL
Oil India Limited (OIL) is an Indian state-owned oil and gas company, operating in the upstream sector, primarily focused on exploring, developing, and producing crude oil and natural gas. OIL is a Maharatna company, meaning it is a central public sector undertaking of the Indian government, and is overseen by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is the second-largest national oil and gas company in India.
