ONGC encouraged by Cairn's success
Cairn Energy's success at CB-OS/2 has put the spotlight on ONGC's efforts in India's Cambay Basin.
Luckily, ONGC is reporting a number of "minor successes". An internal note (entitled: "Early gains from implementation of OTP structure") prepared by ONGC's Western Regional Business Centre (WRBC) reveals that the corporation is presently focusing its attention on three areas in the Cambay basin: Akholjuni, Kathana and Patra.
The note reveals that ONGC's work in the three areas last year was "exceptionally fruitful", particularly since the discovery of a significant structure at Akholjuni. This has opened up new hopes for new structures in the Cambay basin," one senior ONGC official tells Petrowatch, "We are encouraged by Cairn Energy's discovery." The note reveals that two wells at Akholjuni are producing approximately 120 tonnes of oil a day (approx: 1,000 b/d).
It adds that ONGC has released several more drilling locations in the areas and that these will be taken up shortly for exploration. The plan includes: Assessment of full potential from Akholjuni area Exploration of EP-IV and EP-I sands in and around east of Kathana and Siswa fields 3D seismic data acquisition in Akholjuni area The ONGC note adds that wells at Akholjuni, Kathana and Patra are producing a combined 220 tonnes of oil a day (1,650 b/d).
Cairn's discovery at CB-OS/2 has convinced the corporation the areas can produce more. All three concessions come under the umbrella of ONGC's Western Regional Business Centre, which has been hardest hit by falling production.
Both crude and gas production from the Western Region fell in 1999-2000, compared to the previous year. Oil production declined to 5.6m tones from 5.8m tones, while gas production dipped to 2.46bn cubic metres from 2.54bn cubic metres in 1998-99.