Assam contributes 14% of total crude oil production in the country: Minister
Hardeep Singh Puri said that Assam contributes 14% of total crude oil production and1 10% of total natural gas production in the country. Answering the question related to production of petroleum and natural gas from Assam and also the steps taken by the government to reduce the import dependence, he further added that the first refinery in Asia was established in Digboi (Assam) in the year 1901, after the commercial scale production of crude oil at Digboi in 1889.
He informed to the House that during the last four financial years i.e. 2019-20 to 2022-23, the total royalty paid to the state government is Rs.
9291 Ccore for crude oil and Rs. 851 crore for gas production.
He also specifically mentioned about the major projects in the North East region valuing at Rs. 44000 crore including Numaligarh Refinery expansion project, North East Gas Grid, Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline and NRL Bio refinery etc.
The 2G refinery of 185 klpd capacity at Numaligarh will produce Ethanol from Bamboo and will create huge employment opportunities for local farmers.
He also informed to the House that the entire North Eastern States are being covered under the City Gas Distribution network in order to provide cheaper and clean cooking/vehicle fuel to the masses.
The Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister informed to the House that the government has reduced the “No Go” areas in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by almost 99% due to which approx 1 million square kilometres is now free for exploration and production activities. The other measures taken by the government include using latest technologies, replacement and revival of sick and old wells etc.
The government is infusing capital expenditure of approx. Rs. 61000 crore for increasing
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