Parliament Question: Crude and Gas Exploration by the Private and Public Sector Entities

**Executive Summary** This document is an answer to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 700 concerning crude and gas exploration by private and public sector entities, to be answered on December 4th, 2025. The response provides details on exploration acreage, awarded blocks, exploratory wells drilled, and hydrocarbon discoveries made, including reserve potential. It also provides details about ONGC Videsh Ltd. exploratory activities. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Exploration Acreage (as of March 31, 2025):** * Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) acreage under crude and gas exploration held by public sector (Nomination Regime): 1583 SKM. * Acreage held by public sector/ private & joint venture entities: 12,539 SKM. * 616 blocks are being operated by public sector entities and 194 blocks are being operated by private sector and joint venture entities. * **Blocks Awarded & Exploratory Wells:** * Under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) and Discovered Small Field (DSF) Policy, the government awarded a total of 112 blocks. * Operators awarded these blocks have drilled a total of 101 exploratory wells in the last five years. * **Hydrocarbon Discoveries:** * Operators submitted 34 Notices of Discoveries (NoD) in the last three years. * Hydrocarbon discoveries are as follows: | Year | Gas | Oil | Oil & Gas | Grand Total | | --------- | --- | --- | --------- | ----------- | | 2022-23 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 12 | | 2023-24 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 12 | | 2024-25 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 10 | | Grand Total | 16 | 12 | 6 | 34 | * The potential of reserves found in these discoveries is approximately 19 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) of oil and 76 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) of gas. * **ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL):** * OVL undertakes exploratory and development activities as Operator/JV Partner in various countries, including Colombia, Brazil, Vietnam, Myanmar, Russia, South Sudan, Mozambique, Venezuela, etc. * OVL has drilled 11 exploratory wells in the last 3 years, having potential reserves of Oil of 4.43 MMT and EUR 2P Gas of 6.16 BCM. **Impact Analysis** **Government (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas)** * **Impact:** The ministry has been tasked with providing detailed information regarding crude and gas exploration activities by both public and private entities. They are accountable for the data presented on acreage, discoveries, and the potential of reserves. * **Action Required:** To maintain accurate records of exploration activities and ensure compliance with policies related to hydrocarbon exploration and production. **Public and Private Sector Entities involved in Crude and Gas Exploration** * **Impact:** Directly impacted by the policies and regulations governing exploration activities. The report outlines their involvement in terms of acreage held, blocks operated, and discoveries made. * **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with regulations regarding exploration licenses, reporting of discoveries, and adherence to environmental standards. **ONGC Videsh Ltd. (OVL)** * **Impact:** The report acknowledges OVL's exploratory and development activities in various countries, highlighting their contribution to potential oil and gas reserves. * **Action Required:** To continue exploration and development activities, adhering to the regulations and guidelines set by the government.

Key Entities Referenced