Oil India sets ambitious drilling target
The state-owned firm will drill 60 wells in the current financial year as India strives to reduce its import dependence
India’s E&P companies are facing enormous pressure from all quarters to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to increase the country’s domestic crude output and reduce its ever-widening oil import bill. State-owned Oil India Limited (OIL) has announced it will drill 60 wells in the current financial year (April 2023–March 2024), a 33.33% increase compared with the previous financial year. India is highly dependent on the imports of crude oil to meet its domestic demand. The country imported 86.4% of its crude in the 2022–23 financial year. “Fulfilling the vision of Urja Atmanirbharta [energy self-reliance] for a new India, OIL’s strategy is to consolidate its position as the leading
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






