Commercial crude oil extraction in Ashoknagar to start in July

The Ashoknagar oilfield, situated around 48 km from Kolkata, is a petroleum and natural gas extraction site discovered by ONGC in 2018. It is the first producing oil and gas field in eastern India. According to estimates, the basin holds reserves exceeding 240 million barrels of oil.

BJP’s Bengal president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya said that although the project was initiated in 2018, it faced several years of delay due to pending approvals from the state government. After receiving the required clearances, work picked up pace significantly. Bhattacharya voiced optimism that commercial oil output would begin in July.

“If this project is successful, it will usher in a new phase of industrial expansion, job creation and strengthen India’s energy security,” Bhattacharya stated.

Sources indicated that, if timelines are maintained, ONGC is expected to begin commercial crude extraction by the end of July. Preparations are also in progress to start commercial natural gas production from the same field. “Experts believe that once operations are fully underway, Ashoknagar will gain a key position not only in Bengal’s industrial landscape but also in the country’s energy sector,” an official noted.

ONGC has drilled seven wells in the Ashoknagar block so far. In the initial phase, commercial output will start from one well at the Baigachhi site. Drilling is also ongoing in nearby Bhurkunda and Daulatpur, where future oil production is planned. Oil deposits have additionally been identified in Ranaghat. The state-run energy company has invested nearly Rs 1,000 crore in the project. During trial production in 2020, about 375 barrels of crude oil were extracted from the Baigachhi well.

“At present, drilling operations are progressing towards a target depth of around 2,450 metres using advanced rigs and drill bits. Over 2,006 metres have already been completed, with an average progress of roughly 150 metres per day. Once commercial production starts, pump jacks will be installed to ensure continuous extraction, along with other advanced equipment. More than 100 workers are currently deployed at the site in two shifts,” the official added.