Target set for 1,675 million standard cubic metres (MMSCM) gas extraction in 2024-25 as ONGC digs 20 new wells
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has intensified its operations to increase gas production in Tripura to support power generation plants in the northeastern state. This move follows reports of reduced gas supply to various gas-based power plants in the region.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, ONGC produced 1,527 million standard cubic metres (MMSCM) of gas in Tripura. For the current fiscal year, the company has set an ambitious target of extracting 1,675 MMSCM of gas.
“ONGC has been working to increase gas production to ensure sufficient supply for the gas-based power plants in Tripura. We have set a target of extracting 1,675 MMSCM of gas during the 2024-25 fiscal year, up from 1,527 MMSCM in 2023-24,” stated Krishna Kumar, ONGC’s Tripura Asset Manager, in an interview with PTI.
To achieve this goal, ONGC plans to drill 20 new wells for gas exploration in the 2024-25 financial year and will shortly add one more rig to its current fleet of six rigs operating in the state.
In addition to new exploration, ONGC has initiated cluster drilling to extract gas from existing well sites. This method utilises facilities and approvals already in place, streamlining the process and avoiding the high costs associated with new land acquisitions.
“With rapid urbanisation in Tripura, ONGC is focusing on cluster drilling to extract gas from old wells. This approach leverages existing facilities, eliminating the need for fresh state approvals and costly land acquisitions,” explained Kumar.
Kumar also highlighted the issue of gas surplus, which occurs when a unit at the Palatana power plant shuts down. This surplus gas leads to losses for ONGC, as other plants in the state lack the capacity to absorb the excess supply.
“Surplus gas due to plant shutdowns poses a problem because other plants in the state cannot receive the extra gas, causing losses for ONGC,” Kumar noted.
Various state-run agencies operate the gas-based power plants in Tripura, relying heavily on ONGC’s gas production to meet their energy needs.
