ONGC to Start Drilling for Shale in Gujarat Next Month

Indian state owned ONGC is all set to explore for shale gas in Cambay Basin in Gujarat and will start drilling first set of wells next month, Business Line quoted N.K. Verma, company’s Director (Exploration) as saying.

India on Tuesday approved the much awaited shale oil and gas policy boosting prospects of exploration of the unconventional gas in the country.

According to the policy, National Oil Companies (NOCs), namely ONGC and Oil India would be allowed to explore for shale gas on the acreages they already own.

According to Business Line, Verma said ONGC was in discussion with American energy company ConocoPhillips, while taking steps to explore shale gas.

The public sector explorer would spread its shale gas exploration programme across several blocks located in the Cambay Basin, the financial newspaper added.