West Bengal Marks Significant Milestone in Energy Security with Ashoknagar Oil Production

West Bengal's BJP president Samik Bhattacharya hailed the commencement of oil production at ONGC's Ashoknagar field as a significant moment for the state. The project, which has been four years in the making, is expected to boost investment and create employment opportunities in the region.

Bhattacharya, who had pursued the project by raising the issue in Parliament and following up with the Petroleum Ministry and ONGC, visited the oilfield at Baigachhi in Ashoknagar. He witnessed crude oil being extracted from the ground and described the experience as one he would remember for a long time.

The project is seen as a major development for India's energy security, aligning with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Bhattacharya thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and ONGC officials for their efforts in bringing the project to fruition.

The commencement of oil production at Ashoknagar marks a significant milestone for West Bengal, with ONGC stating that the first commercial hydrocarbon discovery in the Bengal Basin is closer to monetization. The state-owned oil major had successfully established the flow potential of light, high-quality crude oil from the field in August.