Focus Energy announces huge gas discovery in Rajasthan

New Delhi, May 25 (UNI) Focus Energy, an oil exploration company today announced one of the largest ever onland gas reserve discoveries in recent times with 88 to 91 per cent hydrocarbon content in Shahgarh area of Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan.

It is the first major stratigraphic discovery on the Indian side of Indus basin and it is on the same stratigraphic trend of multi-trillion cubic feet (tcfs) producing fields in Pakistan. The exact amount of gas is yet to be fully ascertained.

Speaking on the development Focus Energy Vice Chairman, Anil Aggarwal said, "One of the most interesting parts of this development is that it is onland gas discovery. The project has less gestation period in comparison with offshore projects. It is also easily transportable for commercial use." Director General (Hydrocarbons) has already been notified about the find. The discovery was made in excellent cretaceous reservoir sandstones at a depth of 3100 metres. The gas found was almost pur methane. Open Hole Drill Stem Test has confirmed the find, said a statement from Focus Energy.

In Jaipur, Rajasthan's Minister of Mines and Petroleum Laxmi Narayan Dave said it was the first time that such huge reserves of natural gas were found in the state. He also added that the new gas reserves would augment power generation in the state and promote exploration and investment for the availability of hydrocarbons, the statement added.

Indus basin that is spread between Pakistan and India has immense potential in oil and gas. Many companies had reported success in the Pakistan side of basin including Petronas, BP and OMV. The quality of gas discovered by Focus Energy is similar to that found in Pakistan's Miano and Sawan gas fields, the statement further pointed out.

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