Question : EXPLORATION OF OIL RESERVES BY ONGC IN KRISHNA GODAVARI

(a) whether oil reserves in Krishna Godavari basin had been allotted to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for oil exploration and production during the last three years;

(b) if so, the date when this allocation was made;

(c) whether any time limit was also set for ONGC to discharge the duties entrusted to it;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether ONGC has completed the gas and crude oil exploration work;

(f) if so, the quantum of gas and crude oil reserves explored so far; and

(g) the time by which the exploration work is likely to be completed?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI DINSHA PATEL)

(a) to (g): No, oil reserves in KG Basin were allotted to ONGC. Under NELP, ONGC have been awarded 7 exploration blocks in KG Basin, ie. Six in deepwater and one in shallow water during last 3 years. PSC for one deepwater block was signed on 6th February, 2004 and PSCs for other 6 blocks were signed on 2nd March, 2007. The exploration period under PSC is 8 years for deepwater block and 7 years for shallow water block.

In addition to these 7 blocks, ONGC has also farmed in one deepwater block in KG Basin, which was operated by Cairn Energy Pty Ltd.

Since these blocks are in the initial phase of exploration, no oil/gas discoveries have been made in 7 blocks. However, 8 gas discoveries have been made in the block, KG-DWN-98/2. These discoveries are under various stages of appraisal.