Question : DRILLING CONTRACTS IN BOMBAY HIGH

(a) whether it is the fact that ONGC has given higher day rates in foreign currency to Indian Drilling companies for their offshore exploration drilling contracts in Bombay High in this year;

(b) the day rates in last three years for offshore drilling contractors in exploration contracts in Bombay High for Jack-up Rigs;

(c) whether there are irregularities in ONGC in these contracts;

(d) whether private offshore drilling contractors are operating their rigs on 100% capacity; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS AND PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR)

(a) to (c): Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.(ONGC) have apprised Government that contractors have been awarded to Indian drilling companies for offshore exploration drilling in Mumbai High this year as per rates received against open International Competitive Bidding (ICB) in accordance with the guidelines and tender conditions. The details of the day rates in the last three years for offshore drilling contractors in exploration contracts in Mumbai High for Jack-up Rigs are enclosed.

(d) & (e): Private companies/Joint Ventures operating under Production Sharing Contracts do not own any rig for drilling/workover operation. Private offshore drilling contractors are operating rigs as per the scope of work and the terms and conditions of the contracts. The contractors are carrying out the jobs assigned to them within the rig capacity and as per the scope of work in the contract.