State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has found oil in two wells in the Bassein gas field, earlier abandoned for technical reasons. These wells have at present been temporarily shut down for routine maintenance.

The corporation plans to convert four wells into oil producing ones with a cumulative output of over 1,200 barrels per day.

"The corporation expects to commence production from these wells by mid-April. We have already deployed rigs at the BC and BA platforms in the Bassein gas field," ONGC officials said.

Operations at the Bassein gas field have been temporarily suspended to hook up the BPA platform to a new pipeline.

The Bassein offshore field produces 37.5 million square cubic metres of gas per day (mmscmd), which is more than half the country's gas output of 65 mmscmd. The field will resume normal operations on March 21 after a 20-day shutdown.

The phased shutdown of the Bassein offshore gas field has resulted in the pruning of gas supplies to several fertiliser and power companies.

Indo Gulf Fertilisers, Chambal Fertilisers, Oswal Fertilisers and Gujarat State Fertilisers are among the companies that have been affected by the cut.

Other companies to be affected are the Delhi Vidyut Board, Pragati Power, the National Thermal Power Corporation's Kawas, Auraiya and Dadri power plants and the Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd.

ONGC is revamping its offshore oil facilities. It is already installing two new platforms at the Vasai (East) field, which will produce oil some time in April 2006.

The cumulative production from the Vasai (East) is expected to be in the region of 6.18 million tonnes, while the peak daily production is expected to be anywhere in the range of 15,000-16,000 barrels.

Oil discovery

• The Bassein offshore field produces 37.5 mmscmd, which is more than half the country's gas output of 65 mmscmd.
• The phased shutdown of the Bassein field has resulted in the pruning of gas supplies to several fertiliser and power firms.
• Indo Gulf Fertilisers, Chambal Fertilisers, Oswal Fertilisers and Gujarat State Fertilisers are among the companies that have been affected by the cut in gas supplies.