Page 9 - DGH_Annual_Report

A Report on Exploration & Production Activities 9

Foreword

by the DG, DGH

As the world's third-largest energy consumer, India's growing industrial base, urban expansion, and improving
living standards continue to drive the demand for reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy. Oil and gas remains a
cornerstone of India's energy security strategy. Recognizing this, the Government has laid out a comprehensive
roadmap to unlock domestic hydrocarbon potential.

One of the most transformative developments has been the opening of over 1 million sq. km of India's Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) for exploration-enabled by the removal of over 99% of earlier 'No-Go' areas. Backed
by a government-funded `3,200 crore drilling of stratigraphic well programme and Mission Anveshan
(encompassing 20,275 LKM of 20 seismic surveys in seven onland basins), India is systematically building a
stronger geoscientific foundation across seven onland basins.

The National Data Repository (NOR 2.0) is now transitioning to a cloud-based platform for seamless global
access. A dedicated international data center in Houston, along with platforms like Urja Pragati and Upstream
India, is enhancing investor transparency, coordination, and outreach.

The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025 introduces a unified lease regime for all
hydrocarbons, significantly improving procedural clarity, fiscal predictability, and investor confidence. The Act
also strengthens compliance and introduces adjudicative mechanisms to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently.

Progress under our key bid rounds continues to build. Under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), over
172 blocks spanning 3.78 lakh sq. km have been awarded, with cumulative investment commitments exceeding
USO 4.36 billion. Fourteen discoveries have been made under OALP-one already producing in Gujarat. OALP
Round Xis poised to offer another 1.92 lakh sq. km.

The Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy has so far awarded 87 contract areas over four rounds with five
contract areas currently in production. The 2025 launch of DSF-IV marks the newest opportunity, presenting
55 discoveries spread across nine contract areas estimated to hold approximately ~260 MMTOE of in-place
resources. India's Coal Bed Methane (CBM) sector is gaining fresh traction-with USO 2.7 billion invested and
output from 6 producing blocks reaching 2.2 MMSCMD. A new Special CBM Bid Round 2025 is launched
which offers three blocks across two basins.

Our newly established Hydrocarbon Efficiency & New Energy (HENE) department is leading pilot initiatives on
carbon capture, hydrogen integration, and emissions monitoring, helpJng position India's E&P ecosystem for a
lower-carbon future.

This 32nd edition of the Indian Hydrocarbon Outlook captures the evolution of India's upstream sector-its
reforms, achievements, and emerging frontiers. DGH remains committed to supporting a vibrant, data-driven,
and globally competitive E&P ecosystem that fuels India's growth and strengthens national energy security.

I trust this publication will serve as a valuable reference for investors, policymakers, researchers, and all
stakeholders shaping India's energy future.

Yours Sincerely,

(Viond Seshan)
Director General, DGH