ONGC, Reliance lock horns over pre-NELP block data

MUMBAI: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has locked horns with Reliance Industries (RIL) over data on a pre-NELP block, CB-ON/1 located onshore in the Cambay basin.

Reliance had written to ONGC on July 10 seeking data like log interpretation, lab details, formation evaluation report, sedimentological and well completion specifics for Deshwara-1 and West Patan-2 wells in the said block. The block was earlier operated by ONGC.

The public sector company has informed the directorate general of hydrocarbons (DGH) about the receipt of the letter, but at the same time made it known that all such requirements are supposed to be routed through the DGH.

An ONGC source told ET, “All available data required by the operator has been handed over to RIL in the past.
The company is now seeking information on two wells, which do not fall in the contract area of CB-ON/1, as per the information docket or the provisions of the production sharing contract (PSC).”

ONGC has complained to the DGH about the demand made. So far, eight wells have been drilled in the block and RIL has asked for information on two more wells. RIL sources refused to comment.

Meanwhile, Okland Offshore Holding (OOHL) has 100% participating interest (PI) in the block and proposes to assign 40% to RIL with operatorship and 50% to Tullow (India) Operations, while retaining 10% of the balance.

The block, measuring an area of 6,133 square kms, was awarded to OOHL in 1994, and ONGC has 30% carrying interest in the block. This means it reserves the right to take a 30% stake in case of commercial discovery.