Taking steps to increase natural gas production in Tripura: ONGC

A total of 221 wells have been drilled by ONGC in the state till April 2017 and 116 wells are found to be gas bearing which corresponds to the success ratio of 2:1.

Agartala, Jul 27: Executive director of ONGC S C Soni on Thursday said the oil exploring giant is taking steps to increase production of natural gas in Tripura.

"We need to double our production for supply of gas to our proposed fertilizer plant in North Tripura district and to supply more gas to the existing gas based thermal power projects in the state", S C Soni, also the in-charge of Tripura Asset told reporters.

A total of 221 wells have been drilled by ONGC in the state till April 2017 and 116 wells are found to be gas bearing which corresponds to the success ratio of 2:1 and presently 76 wells are producing around 4.3-4.5 MMSCMD, he added. Presently ONGC is supplying gas to 726 Mg watt gas based thermal power at Palatana in Gomati district which cater power to all the north eastern states.

Besides, Tripura State Electrical Corporation Ltd (SECL) and Tripura Natural Gas Corporation (TNGC) receive gas from ONGC. Soni said that ONGC's average sales in Tripura has increased from 1.7 MMSCMD (Million Metric Standard Cubic meter per day) in 2012-13 to 3.92 MMSCMD in 2016-17.

Till September 2016, only three drilling rig were operational in ONGC Tripura Asset and at present total drilling rig strength has been increased seven rigs to intensify exploration and generate more gas production.

Three rigs were engaged for exploration only in Khubal area in the northern part of the state where a Rs 5000 crore fertilizer company would be set up in a joint venture with ONGC, Tripura Government and Rajasthan based Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. The ONGC started exploration in the state in 1962.

PTI