ONGC hints at oil reserve in Tripura

AGARTALA, February 26: Analysis of sand samples by the ONGC has revealed that there might be a major underground crude oil reserve in Tripura. ONGC chairman and managing director B.C. Bora said analysis of soil structure in the state after drilling showed signs of a major crude oil reserve. However, heavy pressure of natural gas has prevented deep drilling to confirm the existence of petroleum. The oil major is planning to conduct an intensive survey soon. ONGC group general manager P.K. Adak has been authorised to invite tenders from technically-equipped organisations for conducting the survey. Bora, speaking to mediapersons in a meet organised by Institution of Engineers secretary Chinmoy Debnath, said the survey will be completed in the coming six months. Tripura's geographical location and soil structure makes it difficult to say where the oil reserve exactly exist, he added. The prospect of oil in the state has come as a morale-booster for ONGC's Tripura project which is working under heavy constraints, including insurgency. Bora said the ONGC will help set up gas-based industries in the state. At present, the oil corporation is in a position to supply four million cubic metres of natural gas for industrial units. However, the proposed projects and industries by the state government will require 46 cubic metres of gas. Since 1972, a total of 90 wells have been drilled in Tripura, of which 45 are rich gas-bearing wells. The ONGC operates in 4,900 square kilometre of the state's territory.