Whalesbook
Record Output Achieved in Rajasthan Field
Oil India Ltd (OIL) has boosted crude production from its Rajasthan operations to a record 1,202 barrels per day from the Jodhpur sandstone. This marks a nearly 70% increase from the 705 barrels per day produced last year. The achievement is a key step in enhancing India's domestic energy supply and strengthening national energy security amidst global market uncertainties.
Innovative Technology Extracts Difficult Oil
This success relies heavily on advanced recovery techniques. Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), a method using heat to extract thick crude oil, was employed. OIL also introduced fishbone drilling and barefoot completion technologies for the first time in India for heavy oil extraction. Electric downhole heaters and advanced pumping systems were also implemented. These innovations were essential because the crude oil in the Baghewala field is very thick and difficult to extract.
Logistics and Contribution to Energy Independence
The crude oil produced in Jaisalmer is transported by tankers to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) facilities in Gujarat. From there, it is piped to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL)'s Koyali refinery. For the financial year 2025-26, the Rajasthan field produced 43,773 metric tonnes, a significant rise from 32,787 metric tonnes the previous year. Officials highlighted that this output boost will help reduce India's reliance on imported crude oil and strengthen its long-term energy resilience.