Not just households, ONGC hit by power cuts too

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is facing a drop in crude oil production in its Mehsana, Ahmedabad and Assam units as frequent power cuts have hampered artificial lift operations.

The oil explorer has reported a 1.79% lower cumulative crude oil production at 13,191 thousand metric tonne (TMT) during the April-October than the target for the period, according to the latest report by Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.  

Its production during October 2017 was 1,889.67 TMT, about 3.88% lower than the monthly target.

Frequent power failure has become a cause of worry for the ONGC management, which is taking up the matter on priority basis.

Shortage of coal and gas has resulted in power cuts in many parts of the country in the past several months, many for long hours. This has led to protests from public and industries. The situation, however, has  improved in the past few weeks, sources said.

The ageing of wells in western offshore and less than estimated production from wells in SHP and NQO area (platforms) due to de-optimisation of wells has also hit production.

Also, production from B-193 cluster in the western offshore was restricted due to high back pressure in B-193 export pipeline due to choking in the line, claims the data. Further, unexpected closuree of more flowing wells in Mehsana Asset and closing of wells for cluster drilling/ rig movements in Assam and Ahmedabad added to the problem.

The latest data comes amidst the proposal by the industry regulator Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) to offer 60% stake along with the operational control in the existing ageing oil and gas fields of ONGC and Oil India Ltd (OIL) to private sector companies for enhancing its constantly dwindling output.

The government, which is targeting a 10% cut in oil imports by the year 2022 over the base year of 2014-15, is reportedly unhappy with the near-stagnant oil and gas production in the country, and therefore, wants the private sector to contribute in enhancing the output by bringing in new technologies and investments.

ELECTRIC TROUBLE

• The oil explorer has reported a 1.79% lower cumulative crude oil production during the April-October than the target for the period
   
• Its production during October 2017 was 1,889.67 TMT, about 3.88% lower than the monthly target