Surge in crude output from Baghewala field strengthens India’s energy security
April 5, 2026: Amid rising geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global oil markets, Oil India Ltd has significantly increased crude production from Rajasthan’s Thar desert, achieving a record output of 1,202 barrels per day from the Jodhpur sandstone formation. This marks a nearly 70% jump from last year’s 705 barrels per day, highlighting a major milestone in boosting domestic oil production. The crude extracted from the Baghewala field in Jaisalmer is transported to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation facilities in Mehsana and further sent via pipeline to the Koyali refinery operated by Indian Oil Corporation.
The company’s Rajasthan operations recorded an annual production of 43,773 metric tonnes in FY 2025–26, up from 32,787 metric tonnes the previous year, driven by improved efficiency and advanced technologies. A key contributor has been the use of Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS), a thermal enhanced recovery method suited for extracting high-viscosity crude. Officials noted that the challenging geology of the Thar region required innovative solutions, including fishbone drilling, barefoot completion, and the use of electric downhole heaters and artificial lift systems to improve extraction.
The Baghewala oil field, located in the Bikaner-Nagaur basin, remains one of India’s few onshore heavy oil reserves, with 52 wells, of which 33 are operational. Since beginning production in 2017, Oil India has expanded operations through increased drilling and enhanced recovery techniques, including CSS across multiple wells. Officials said the continued success of these methods not only boosts output but also plays a crucial role in reducing India’s reliance on imported crude and strengthening long-term energy resilience.