How oil changes the fortunes of a country can be understood from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran are those countries whose oil reserves made them rich. This is the reason it is called black gold. The oil wells here are literally spewing gold. It started in India in 1867, when oil was discovered in Digboi, Assam. This discovery was the turning point for India’s petroleum sector. After this a lot changed in India. The way for making petroleum products was cleared. Production of LPG started which reached people’s kitchens.
India’s first modern refinery was built at Digboi, Assam and began operation in December 1901. The first petroleum product appeared in the country when the first batch of kerosene reached the market in January 1902. Gradually oil was discovered in other parts of the country. Natural gas reserves found.
Where are the oil wells in the country?
India’s oil reserves are less compared to other oil-rich countries in the world, but this achievement is special for the country. Domestic crude oil production meets only 15-18% of India’s total demand, while the remaining demand is met through oil imports from West Asia, Russia and Africa. There are huge reserves of oil in many parts of the country.
- Assam: This is the oldest oil producing region of the country. It has historical importance in the petroleum industry of the country. In Assam, oil filled layers extend for about 320 kilometers along the Brahmaputra valley. There are huge reserves of oil in many parts here. Like- Digboi, Naharkatiya, Moran-Hughrijan are the oldest oil fields of the country. Whereas oil purification is done in Digboi, Guwahati, Bongaigaon and Barauni.
Refinery of Digboi, Assam.
- Gujarat: Gujarat is one of the most important coastal oil producing regions of Western India. Ankleshwar, Kalol, Mehsana, Navagam, Kosamba, Kathana, Barkol, Sanand are the most productive oil fields of the state. The oil is transported to the refineries of Trombay and Koyali. The pipeline network here helps in production and purification.
- Rajasthan: Due to Barmer field, Rajasthan emerged as the largest onshore oil producing state of India. Significant reserves exist in sandstone formations in this basin. The major oil field is one of the largest oil reserves found in India. It has an important contribution in India’s domestic crude oil production.
- Mumbai High: This is India’s largest and most productive oil field. This oil field located in the Arabian Sea is about 160 kilometers west of Mumbai. This area, discovered in 1974, is in rocky layers.
- Krishna-Godavari Basin: The Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin located on the east coast is an important emerging oil and gas producing region. Adequate hydrocarbon potential is present in it. Located off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, this special oil field has reserves of both oil and natural gas.
- Kaveri Basin: Kaveri Basin is an important oil producing area of Tamil Nadu and its adjacent parts. There are oil reserves in Narimanam, Kovilappal.
Also read: How many cylinders will be filled with 46,000 metric tons of LPG brought to India from Qatar?