RIL topples ONGC as largest gas producer

KG D6 fields’ production touched 50.15 mscmd on Sunday.

Reliance Industries (RIL) has become the largest natural gas producer in the country with its over 50 million standard cubic metres per day (mscmd) output surpassing that of state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp’s (ONGC).

RIL’s gas production from its D6 fields in the Krishna Godavari basin touched 50.15 mscmd on Sunday, according to the regular output report RIL sent to the oil ministry.

This is the first time it has surpassed ONGC’s 49.6 mscmd output.

“RIL is now the country’s largest gas producer,” a ministry official said.

KG D6’s output has also helped the nation cross 100 mscmd of domestic gas production. Besides RIL and ONGC, about 16 mscmd is produced by BG Group-operated Panna/Mukta and Tapti fields.

RIL, which had begun gas production from KG D-6 on April 2, is targeting a peak output of over 80 mscmd from fields.

The official said 22.84 mscmd of D6 gas is sold to power companies, 15.19 mscmd to fertiliser units and 5.05 mscmd to steel manufacturers. Refineries, including those of RIL, recently named as additional customers, are drawing about 5 mscmd.

State-run gas utility GAIL India is buying 1.8 mscmd of D6 gas for its LPG plants, while 0.28 mscmd is going to city gas companies for supply as CNG.

The output will rise to 60 mscmd by the end of next month and to 65 mscmd in January. Peak output is expected in the second half of 2010.

ONGC’s majority of gas production comes from its Bassein and Mumbai High fields. The two fields produce about 42 mscmd.

Source: Business-Standard

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