Fueling the Future: How a Gas Field in Rajasthan Is Powering India’s Energy Self-Reliance

The blistering sands of Jaisalmer have long kept secrets buried deep beneath the surface—secrets that could power a nation. And now, one of them is finally seeing the light of day.

In a milestone moment for India’s energy sector, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, recently announced the commencement of natural gas production from the Bakhritibba DSF-III block, operated by Oil India Limited (OIL). Located in the remote expanses of western Rajasthan, this breakthrough isn’t just a victory for Oil India—it’s a significant leap forward for India’s energy security and a testament to what policy-backed exploration can achieve.

From Dunes to Development: Tapping into Untapped Potential

Nestled in the rugged terrain of Jaisalmer, the Bakhritibba block had long remained an untapped resource. But under India’s Discovered Small Fields (DSF) policy, introduced in 2015 to monetize smaller and previously uneconomical oil and gas reserves, it has now been transformed into a strategic energy asset.

The project comes under the DSF-III bidding round, launched in 2022, aimed at inviting capable players to bring these dormant reserves into production. And OIL has delivered.

With initial production of 67,200 Standard Cubic Meters per Day (SCMD) of natural gas, the field is already feeding vital energy to GAIL (India) Ltd and the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVUNL). Plans are firmly in place to ramp this up to 100,000 SCMD in the coming months—a boost that couldn’t be timelier as India pushes to reduce its reliance on energy imports.

Drilling in the Thar Desert isn’t for the faint of heart. Soaring temperatures, difficult terrain, and logistical challenges make this one of the country’s toughest exploration environments. Yet, Oil India’s teams managed to drill three wells under the Minimum Work Programme (MWP) within the set development timeline—an achievement hailed by Minister Puri as a benchmark for operational excellence.

“Every hydrocarbon molecule produced fuels India’s march towards energy security and self-reliance,” said the Minister, underscoring how this field fits into the larger national vision. He didn’t just talk about barrels and numbers. He spoke about grit. “I salute the tireless efforts of the OIL personnel who brave harsh desert conditions daily to keep India’s energy lifelines flowing.”

That acknowledgment isn't just lip service. For an industry grappling with volatility, geopolitical tensions, and import dependency, this kind of success story serves as a morale booster for both the public sector and the emerging energy startup ecosystem.

Why It Matters: The Bigger Energy Picture

India is the third-largest energy consumer in the world. Yet, more than 80% of its crude oil and around 50% of its natural gas needs are met through imports. This exposes the economy to global price shocks and supply chain disruptions.

The government’s strategy to offset this risk has been two-fold: diversify energy sources and aggressively tap domestic reserves. The DSF policy plays a critical role in this mission, unlocking smaller fields once considered unviable.

The Bakhritibba block is a prime example of this policy in action. It not only demonstrates the potential lying dormant in India’s soil but also shows how public sector undertakings can play a pivotal role in achieving energy goals without compromising on speed, quality, or safety.

What’s Next: Room for Startups, Innovation, and Private Players?

With the groundwork laid by giants like Oil India, there’s a growing opportunity for energy tech startups and cleantech innovators to plug into this evolving landscape. From advanced drilling analytics to gas transportation and emission reduction solutions—there’s a massive innovation gap waiting to be filled.

Projects like Bakhritibba don’t just produce gas—they generate data, logistics needs, workforce requirements, and demand for smarter operations. These are all areas where agile startups can make a mark, especially under collaborative schemes and government-backed incubators focused on energy innovation.

Recap: Key Facts at a Glance

• Block Name: Bakhritibba (DSF-III)

• Location: Jaisalmer district, Western Rajasthan

• Operator: Oil India Limited (OIL)

• Initial Gas Production: 67,200 SCMD

• Targeted Production: 100,000 SCMD

• Off-takers: GAIL and Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd

• Wells Drilled: 3 (under MWP)

The success of the Bakhritibba block is more than just an operational win—it’s a story of strategic foresight, on-ground grit, and the quiet but powerful movement toward energy independence.

As India seeks to chart its energy future in a fast-changing world, every initiative like this becomes a building block of national resilience. And while the deserts of Rajasthan may look still and silent, deep below, they’re humming with the promise of power—and progress.