OIL to revolutionise oil exploration in NE: Bora

Itanagar, Jul 31 (UNI) Petroleum giant Oil India Limited (OIL) has been conscientiously working to revolutionise crude oil production in the country, particularly in the North Eastern region, said its Director (Operations) N M Bora.

Talking to UNI today, Mr Bora said while India had been producing 25 per cent of its total oil and natural gas requirement, it had been importing the balance 75 per cent at an exorbitant rate from the oil exporting countries.

Thus, to reduce the heavy burden on the national exchequer, OIL's research and development wing had been experimenting conversion of coal to petroleum at its pilot plant at Duliajan in Asom. OIL, a global operator, had set up the pilot plant with the help of HCTL, an American company, he informed.

The coal deposit in Asom and Arunachal having high sulphur and ash content were not good for other commercial purposes, but good for coal liquification, which would reduce the dependency on crude oil production, he replied to a question as to why the huge petrol reserve trapped in coal shell in Arunachal was not being explored by OIL.

While OIL was producing 3.3 MT crude oil yearly, Oil&Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), the other player, was producing 1.3 MT per annum, he said adding the contribution of NE was roughly 15 per cent, including 800 to 1000 barrels PA from 56 wells in Kumchai and Kharsang areas of Arunachal.

Though Asom and Arunachal Pradesh have huge potential for exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon, crude and gas reserves, but logistic difficulties and geological complicacy were the greatest hindrance, he pointed out.

However, more explorations were being taken up in Jairampur, Manabhoom and Pasighat areas of Arunachl Pradesh which would boost the economic development of the state, he said while thanking the people and the government for their wholehearted support to OIL.

However, the hydropower-rich state would mint liquid gold with the state government evincing keen interest in hydropower development, he observed.

mr Bora was here to attend a function at Dera Natung Degree College, as OIL had donated five computers to the college at the request of MP Kiren Rijiju.

Asked as to why he was not drawing the attention of the Centre towards the huge oil reserve of Arunachal, Mr Rijiju said he had already proposed for exploration of five blocks in the state which would be finalided at the seventh round of National Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) by the Petroleum Ministry in October next.

Mr Rijiju, member of the consultative committee of the Ministry, hoped the Centre would grant license for at least three blocks.

UNI