New Delhi, July 20 — Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said India is taking “steady and confident” steps toward achieving oil self-sufficiency, supported by extensive reforms and a surge in exploration activity.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, the minister highlighted the transformation of India’s energy sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, pointing to policy changes, technological investments, and broad industry participation.
“India is securing its energy future through bold reforms and decisive leadership,” Puri said.
The government has opened up one million square kilometres of offshore areas for exploration, with 99% of previously restricted “No-Go” zones now accessible. According to Puri, this shift has already begun attracting global and domestic interest under the Open Acreage Licensing Programme (OALP), with the tenth round (OALP-X) expected to be the largest of its kind worldwide.
He noted that 25 blocks have been offered under OALP-X, while 154 exploration blocks are currently active across the country. The sector has seen ₹792 crore invested in the government’s ‘Mission Anveshan’, with 6,200 GLKM of seismic data already collected to aid in new discoveries.
“ONGC alone is now producing 34,000 barrels of oil per day and 3 million standard cubic metres of gas daily,” the minister added.
In a major regulatory step, the government recently revised the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act of 1948. Within three months, the Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) Rules were issued to support new exploration and production activity.
Stakeholders have been invited to provide suggestions on the draft rules and Model Revenue Sharing Contract (MRSC), which are designed to ensure a transparent and competitive bidding process.
“It has never been easier, faster, or more profitable to invest in India’s energy future,” Puri said, addressing industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
He also emphasized the shift toward clean energy at the consumer level, stating that clean cooking fuel has now become a daily reality for most Indian households.
“From 55 cities in 2014 to over 300 cities and towns today, from 25 lakh kitchens to 1.5 crore homes — our city gas distribution network is transforming lives,” the minister said.
With these developments, the government hopes to not only reduce India’s dependence on oil imports but also boost domestic production, energy security, and economic growth.
These reforms mark a decisive step toward fulfilling India’s long-standing goal of energy self-reliance, aligning with its broader strategy of economic resilience and sustainability.
