Oil India Achieves Highest-Ever Crude Output in Rajasthan

Oil India Limited (OIL) has achieved its highest-ever crude oil production from the Jodhpur sandstone formation in the Baghewala field, Jaisalmer, surging to a record 1,202 barrels per day (bpd). This remarkable milestone represents an impressive nearly 70 per cent increase from the previous year’s 705 bpd. For the financial year 2025-26, the Rajasthan operations delivered 43,773 metric tonnes of heavy crude oil — a substantial rise from 32,787 metric tonnes the year before. In a world of energy uncertainties, this onshore triumph stands as a beacon of India’s growing domestic capabilities.

The Baghewala field, discovered in 1991 and covering 200.26 square kilometres, commenced commercial production in 2017. Today, with 52 wells drilled and 33 in active production, the field showcases the power of innovation in challenging geology. Heavy, viscous crude once difficult to extract now flows efficiently thanks to advanced techniques like Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), a thermal enhanced oil recovery method perfectly suited to the Thar’s tight sandstone reservoirs. Steam is injected in cycles to reduce viscosity, dramatically boosting flow rates and recovery.

The produced crude is efficiently transported by tankers to ONGC’s facilities in Mehsana, Gujarat, and then piped to Indian Oil Corporation’s Koyali refinery, integrating seamlessly into the national supply chain. This achievement aligns beautifully with Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s forward-looking vision for energy self-reliance. Under his guidance and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily strengthening its domestic energy infrastructure, diversifying sources, and pursuing ambitious exploration and production goals to build long-term security and resilience.

Credit for stellar execution on the ground goes to OIL’s dynamic Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Ranjit Rath. His strategic focus on technology deployment and operational excellence has unlocked the potential of this heavy oil asset. The Baghewala field’s success underscores the importance of investing in advanced extraction methods and the commitment to enhancing India’s domestic oil production capabilities. As the country continues to navigate global energy markets, this milestone serves as a testament to the potential of India’s onshore oil resources and the nation’s determination to reduce its dependence on imported fuels.

The Baghewala field’s contribution to India’s energy security is significant, as it highlights the country’s ability to tap into its vast reserves of unconventional oil. The successful implementation of Cyclic Steam Stimulation has not only increased production but also demonstrated the feasibility of recovering heavy crude from tight sandstone formations. This innovation not only benefits the Baghewala field but also paves the way for similar advancements in other challenging reservoirs across the country.

The rise in crude output from the Baghewala field is also a reflection of the government’s commitment to the Atal Energy Mission, which aims to boost domestic oil and gas production. The mission has been instrumental in driving investments in exploration, production, and refining sectors, thereby enhancing India’s energy security. The increased production at Baghewala is a direct outcome of this strategic approach, which prioritizes the development of indigenous energy resources.

In conclusion, Oil India Limited’s achievement at the Baghewala field is a landmark moment for India’s energy sector. It showcases the potential of the country’s onshore oil reserves and the effectiveness of advanced extraction techniques in challenging geological formations. As India continues to build its energy infrastructure and pursue self-reliance, milestones like these reinforce the nation’s resolve to become a more energy-independent and resilient economy. The success at Baghewala serves as a catalyst for further exploration and production, ensuring a more secure and sustainable energy future for the country.