Desert Gold: Oil India Hits Record Production High in the Thar

Oil India (OIL) has achieved a record crude oil production of 1,202 barrels per day from the Jodhpur Sandstone formation in Jaisalmer’s Thar Desert, marking a significant boost to India’s energy security.

This represents a 70% increase over last year’s 705 barrels per day, raising annual production from the Thar Desert to 43,773 tonnes, up from 32,787 tonnes in FY 2024–25. The crude is transported via tankers to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) facilities in Mehsana, and then through pipelines to the Koyali refinery operated by Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). A key factor behind this achievement is the implementation of cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) technology in 19 wells, enabling the extraction of heavy crude oil from the Jodhpur Sandstone formation nearly 30 years after its discovery.

The Baghewala field, located in the Bikaner-Nagaur sub-basin, is now recognized as one of India’s few onshore heavy crude-producing fields, showcasing resilience, technological innovation, and strategic expansion under challenging desert conditions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.