(a) whether work has been started for discovery of gas in the 24 blocks awarded under National Exploration Licensing Policy;
(b) if so, whether gas has been discovered in any of the blocks;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken to expedite the operation and utilization of gas discovery?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
a) Exploration work has started in all the 24 exploration blocks for which the Production Sharing Contracts were signed under First round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP).
b) Yes, Sir.
c) & (d) Oil and Natural Gas has been discovered in three prospects in one exploration block, i.e KG-DWN-98/2 (Offshore KG basin) offered under first round of NELP. Two of these are oil and gas discoveries while one is a gas discovery. These discoveries will be appraised further for their commerciality. If discoveries are found commercial, development plans will be prepared by the contractor.