ONGC Boosts Gas Production in Tripura Amid Power Plant Supply Shortages

Agartala, Tripura – In response to recent shortages in gas supply affecting power plants in Tripura, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has significantly increased its production efforts. The initiative aims to stabilize the gas supply and support the state’s energy needs.

During the fiscal year 2023-24, ONGC produced 1,527 million standard cubic metres (MMSCM) of gas in Tripura. The corporation has set a target to raise this production to 1,675 MMSCM for the fiscal year 2024-25. Krishna Kumar, ONGC’s Tripura Asset Manager, emphasized the corporation’s dedication to ensuring a reliable gas supply. “We are focused on meeting our ambitious production target to address the current supply issues and support Tripura’s power plants,” Kumar stated.

To achieve this goal, ONGC plans to drill 20 new wells and will soon add an additional rig to its existing fleet of six. The company has also started cluster drilling at established well sites to improve extraction efficiency. This strategy allows ONGC to utilize existing infrastructure and avoid the complications of acquiring new land due to the state’s rapid urbanization.

Kumar also highlighted a challenge related to surplus gas. When a unit of the Palatana power plant shuts down, the excess gas cannot be efficiently utilized by other plants, potentially leading to losses for ONGC. The gas-based power plants in Tripura, managed by various state-run agencies, contribute to the complexity of gas distribution.

ONGC’s intensified operations are a key part of the company’s strategy to manage supply disruptions and support the energy sector in Tripura.