Massive Crude Oil Discovery in Ballia! Is This India’s Next Big Oil Boom?
After conducting a three-month survey in the Ganga basin, the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has identified crude oil deposits at a depth of 3,000 meters in Ballia. The oil reserves were found on land owned by the family of Chittu Pandey, a notable freedom fighter. To facilitate drilling operations, ONGC has secured a three-year lease for 6.5 acres from the Pandey family, paying an annual rent of ₹10 lakh.
Drilling Operations and Future Expansion
Drilling is already underway, requiring around 25,000 liters of water daily, and is expected to be completed by April 2025. If the extraction process is successful, ONGC plans to expand drilling across a 300-km crude oil belt stretching from Sagarpali in Ballia to Phaphamau in Prayagraj.
Economic Impact and Land Acquisition
A commercially viable oil reserve could significantly benefit local farmers, as ONGC may acquire more land at competitive prices. Neel Pandey, a descendant of Chittu Pandey, confirmed the three-year lease agreement, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The discovery has the potential to stimulate economic growth in Ballia, transforming it into a key oil-producing region.
India’s Oil Reserves and ONGC’s Efforts
India’s crude oil reserves stood at approximately 587.335 million metric tonnes as of April 2021, with major reserves concentrated in the western offshore region, Assam, and Gujarat. Established in 1956, ONGC has played a pivotal role in the country’s oil exploration efforts, making landmark discoveries, including Mumbai High, India’s largest oil field. In 2024, ONGC announced five additional oil and gas discoveries in both onshore and offshore locations, reinforcing its commitment to boosting domestic production and reducing import dependency.
The discovery in Ballia is a significant step forward in India’s quest for energy security, highlighting the untapped potential for crude oil exploration in the country.
